JUST IN: EFCC to release Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours – Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a prominent business executive and socialite, from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), within 24 hours.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after hearing arguments from Achimugu’s lawyers, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, as well as from EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, and Ekene Iheanacho, SAN.

Justice Ekwo also ordered that the parties report to the court on May 2nd on the outcome of his order.

iDeemlawful reports that EFCC declared Achimugu wanted in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. She was arrested on arrival in the country on Monday.

The agency arrested Achimugu at the Abuja airport upon her return from London, despite her undertaking before the court to honor the EFCC’s invitation.

The Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Ekwo on Monday ordered her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday.

Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, however, condemned the arrest, claiming it violated a court order.

The EFCC is investigating Achimugu on a case involving conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

While she was previously arrested and questioned by the EFCC, she was released on administrative bail by the commission.

However, EFCC alleged that she jumped bail and declared Achimugu wanted.

Achimugu, a well-known business magnate, is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a consortium of companies involved in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.