Toyyibat Qasim
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10bn fundamental rights suit filed by Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the search of her residence and seizure of her properties.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying Justice M.S. Liman dismissed the suit after ruling that the anti-graft agency had the authority to search Achimugu’s residence following intelligence about her alleged criminal activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, challenged the commission’s actions, including the search of her home and the seizure of her cars, jewellery and other belongings.
Achimugu had asked the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its statutory powers when it searched her residence and seized the items.
She also sought to enforce her fundamental right to privacy and requested an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or invading her private residence.
As part of the reliefs sought, the businesswoman demanded N10bn in damages over what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
However, according to the EFCC, Justice Liman ruled that the commission had the power to conduct the search based on intelligence it received concerning the allegations against Achimugu.
The judge was quoted as saying, “EFCC has the right to search the residence.”
The commission further stated that the court found no sufficient grounds to justify the damages sought by Achimugu and dismissed her claim.
The judge reportedly held that there was nothing to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The court consequently described the suit as lacking merit, saying it was “frivolous” and “brought in bad faith”, according to the commission’s account of the judgment.
Reacting to the ruling, EFCC counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice.
Mgbemele also alleged that the suit was an attempt to waste the court’s time.
The judgment represents a legal victory for the EFCC in the dispute over its search of Achimugu’s residence and the seizure of her belongings.
As of the time of filing this report, the supplied statement did not indicate whether Achimugu intended to appeal the judgment.
.....
Subscribe To Papers Nigeria HERE
