Court Dismisses Aisha Achimugu’s N10bn Suit Against EFCC

 Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion fundamental rights suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and seizure of personal property.

Justice M.S. Liman dismissed the suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, ruling that the anti-graft agency had the statutory authority to search Achimugu’s property after receiving intelligence concerning alleged criminal activities.

Achimugu had approached the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its powers when it searched her residence and seized cars, jewellery and other items.

She also sought the enforcement of her right to privacy and an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or invading her residence.

As part of her claims, the businesswoman requested N10 billion in damages for what she described as an invasion of her privacy.

Delivering judgment on October 10, 2026, Justice Liman held that Achimugu and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the compensation sought.

The judge dismissed the suit for lacking merit, describing it as frivolous and brought in bad faith. He maintained that there was nothing to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory duties.

The ruling effectively rejected Achimugu’s request for N10 billion in damages against the commission.

Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel Emenike Mgbemele welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice. He also argued that the suit had sought to waste the court’s time.

The EFCC’s position was that its search of the property was carried out within its legal powers following intelligence received by the agency.

The case centred on the limits of the commission’s investigative authority and Achimugu’s claim that the search and seizure violated her fundamental rights.

The court’s decision represents a legal setback for the businesswoman in her attempt to obtain compensation over the EFCC’s actions.