Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Aisha Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. The judge also directed that she must appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
The order was issued on Monday, April 28, 2025, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against multiple law enforcement agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), EFCC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Background of the Investigation
EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court of a counter-affidavit by investigator Chris Odofin, which detailed the circumstances of Achimugu’s invitation. She is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of property suspected to have been acquired unlawfully.
Achimugu initially responded to the EFCC’s invitation on February 12, 2024, made a written statement, and was granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba. However, she allegedly failed to return as agreed and instead filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commission.
Details of the Allegations
In her statement, Achimugu described the inflow of N8.71 billion into her corporate accounts as an “investment fund” for acquiring an oil block. She claimed the funds were transferred to the Federal Government’s account via her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, supported by documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Further investigation revealed that her company acquired two oil blocks-Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO-at a cost of $25.3 million. However, payments were allegedly made in cash through bureau de change operators, and the source of the funds could not be traced to legitimate business income or partnerships. The EFCC also alleged corruption in the acquisition process and noted that exploration or production had not commenced on the blocks.
Legal Proceedings and EFCC’s Position
The EFCC described Achimugu’s current suit as an attempt to frustrate the investigation, pointing to a previous court decision dismissing her fundamental rights claims. Despite this, the EFCC has continued its probe, sending inquiry letters to banks, the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Land Authorities, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The affidavit reveals that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks, both personal and corporate.
The case will continue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Achimugu expected to comply with the court order to report to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29.