Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated Aisha Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to provide answers in relation to an ongoing investigation.
download (7).jpeg
Additionally, the judge specified that Achimugu must present herself in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This ruling was issued on Monday, April 28, 2025, concerning a case numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, which Achimugu initiated against several law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). In response to Achimugu's motion, EFCC's Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, submitted a counter-affidavit from investigator Chris Odofin, detailing the reasons for her summons. The affidavit cited that Achimugu is being investigated for alleged conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, corruption, and possession of property suspected to be unlawfully acquired. Achimugu initially complied with the Commission's invitation on February 12, 2024, where she provided a written statement and was later granted administrative bail through her attorney and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba. However, she reportedly failed to return as agreed, opting instead to file a lawsuit claiming violations of her fundamental rights against the Commission.
GnHpm2mXoAA89lH.jpeg
The affidavit outlined Achimugu's assertion in her statement regarding an inflow of N8.71 billion into her business accounts as an "investment fund" for obtaining an oil block. She alleged that these funds were transferred to the Federal Government's account through her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, supported by documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Further investigations indicated that Achimugu's company had actually procured two oil blocks, Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO, for $25.3 million. The inquiry revealed that payments for these acquisitions were allegedly made in cash through bureau de change operators, and the origins of the funds could not be traced back to any legitimate business activities or partnerships. The Commission also alleged that the acquisition process was marred by corruption. Notably, neither oil block had commenced exploration or production as of the latest investigation. The EFCC contended that Achimugu's current lawsuit is a deliberate attempt to obstruct the ongoing inquiry, despite a prior court ruling (case No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024) that dismissed her claims of rights violations. Following the dismissal of the earlier case, the EFCC persisted in its investigation by sending inquiry letters to various banks and agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, to collect additional evidence. The investigation team has been analyzing responses as they continue to arrive. The affidavit revealed that Achimugu manages a total of 136 bank accounts across ten different banks, both in her personal name and under her corporate identity. The proceedings will resume on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Achimugu expected to report to the EFCC on Tuesday, as ordered by the court