The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and seizure of her vehicles, jewellery and other belongings.
The judgment was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
Achimugu had asked the court to determine whether the commission acted within its statutory powers when it searched her residence and seized the items. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, she also sought the enforcement of her right to privacy and an order restraining the EFCC from allegedly threatening, harassing or invading her private residence.
The businesswoman further demanded N10 billion in damages from the commission over what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
However, delivering judgment on Monday, Justice M.S. Liman held that the EFCC had the power to search Achimugu’s property after receiving intelligence about her alleged criminal activities.
”The EFCC has the right to search the residence,” the judge said.
Justice Liman also held that Achimugu and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the N10 billion damages sought against the commission.
The judge consequently rejected her claim for compensation, holding that there was nothing to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory duties in the circumstances of the case.
The court described the suit as lacking merit and dismissed it, holding that it was “frivolous and brought in bad faith”.
Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, described the decision as being in the interest of justice.
Mr Mgbemele also said the suit was an attempt to waste the time of the court.
