Economy

EFCC Secures Forfeiture of ₦8.97 Billion Assets, $50,000 Linked to Achimugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of jewellery, luxury vehicles and cash linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu.

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, granted the forfeiture order on Thursday, July 16, 2026, following an application filed by the anti-graft agency.

The assets comprise jewellery valued at approximately ₦4.65 billion and 11 exotic vehicles estimated at ₦4.29 billion. The order also covers ₦30 million and $50,000 in cash.

Together, the naira-denominated assets and cash are worth approximately ₦8.97 billion, excluding the separate dollar holding transferred to the Federal Government.

The jewellery represents the largest portion of the forfeited portfolio, accounting for more than half of its naira value. The collection of luxury vehicles constitutes most of the remaining amount.

The ruling concludes the EFCC’s forfeiture application at the FCT High Court and authorises the Federal Government to take possession of the listed assets.

However, the commission’s announcement did not provide details about the models of the vehicles, the location of the jewellery or when the assets were acquired. It also did not disclose whether any interested party intends to appeal the judgment.

The forfeiture order relates specifically to ownership of the identified properties. It should not, without additional judicial findings, be interpreted as a criminal conviction of Achimugu.

The decision adds to the growing value of luxury assets recovered through court-backed forfeiture proceedings in Nigeria. Such recoveries allow the government to preserve movable assets that could otherwise be transferred, concealed or lose value during prolonged legal disputes.

The economic benefit will ultimately depend on how the forfeited properties are managed. Vehicles and jewellery may require professional valuation and transparent disposal procedures to ensure that the government receives their fair market value.

Clear public reporting on the custody, valuation and eventual sale or use of the assets will therefore be necessary to demonstrate that the court order produces measurable value for the Nigerian government.