Aisha Achimugu
Justice M.S. Liman of a Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by an Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In dismissing the suit today, Justice Liman dismissed the suit today, held that the defendant has the power to search the plaintiff’s property after receiving intelligence on the alleged criminal activities of the plaintiff. “EFCC has the right to search the residence,” he said.
The judge ruled that Achimugu and her legal representatives failed to show reason to warrant the kind of damage she demanded from the EFCC and equally dismissed the request for N10 billion damages.
On the whole, Justice Liman agreed that there was nothing that should have stopped the EFCC from carrying out its statutory duties.
The judge therefore held that the matter lacked merit and was dismissed, because “it is frivolous and it was brought in bad faith”.
The damage she sought was also denied.
Achimugu had approached the court in an originating marjed FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, wherein she begged the court to determine “whether the EFCC’s action of searching her house and seizing her cars and jewelry and other items was within the powers of the Commission’.
She also asked the court to enforce her rights to privacy, including an order of the court restraining the defendant from threatening or harassing and invading her private residence.
Part of her claim was for the court to award a N10 billion damage against the EFCC for what she described as invasion of her privacy.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the EFCC, Emenike Mgbemele said the judgment was in the interest of justice, adding that the suit was a ploy to waste the time of the court.