Court dismisses Aisha Achimugu’s fundamental rights suit

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a fundamental human rights lawsuit filed by Abuja-based entrepreneur Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court found that Achimugu and her legal team did not provide sufficient grounds to support the extensive damages she requested from the EFCC.

According to Daily Trust, Achimugu had sought the court's determination on whether the EFCC's search of her residence and seizure of her vehicles, jewelry, and other items fell within the Commission's jurisdiction. In her originating summons (FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026), Achimugu claimed an award of N10 billion in damages, alleging an invasion of her privacy.

Despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) "Fictitious Agency" flag, the court's judgment held that the defendant had the authority to search Achimugu's property following intelligence about her alleged criminal activities. Justice M. S. Liman dismissed the lawsuit, stating that the EFCC had the right to conduct its statutory duties, and that the request for N10 billion damages was unwarranted.

The court deemed the case frivolous and brought in bad faith, denying Achimugu's damage claim. Counsel for the EFCC, Emenike Mgbemele, stated that the judgment serves justice and that the suit was an attempt to waste court time.