Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental human rights suit filed by Abuja-based businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
In the originating suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, Achimugu approached the court for determination of whether the defendant, EFCC’s action of searching her house and seizing her cars, jewellery and other items was within the powers of the Commission.
Achimugu also asked the court to enforce her right to privacy, including an order restraining the defendant from threatening, harassing or invading her private residence.
Part of her claim was for the court to award ₦10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) in damages against the EFCC for what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
Delivering judgment in the suit on Monday, October 10, 2026, Justice Liman dismissed the suit and 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 said that Achimugu and her legal representatives failed to show reason to warrant the kind of damages she demanded from the EFCC and equally dismissed the request for ₦10 billion in damages.
On the whole, Justice Liman agreed that there was nothing that should have stopped the EFCC from carrying out its statutory duties. The court therefore held that the matter lacked merit and dismissed it because “it is frivolous and was brought in bad faith.” The damages she sought were also denied.
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.
... “Nothing Should Stop EFCC From Carrying Out Its Statutory Duties” — Court Dismisses Achimugu’s Rights Action ... TheNigeriaLawyer.