A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to release detained businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the directive on Wednesday, April 30, during a brief sitting, stressing the need for immediate compliance.
He further ordered all parties involved in the suit to return to court on Friday, May 2, to report on the level of compliance with the order.
EFCC operatives presented Achimugu in court around 11:35 a.m., as instructed. She was brought in under tight security, escorted by two female officers of the agency.
Justice Ekwo had earlier ordered Achimugu to honour the EFCC’s invitation by appearing at its office on Tuesday, April 29, at 12 noon. This directive followed her fundamental rights suit filed to restrain security agencies from arresting or detaining her.
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The socialite, who had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and unlawful possession of assets, was arrested shortly after arriving from London at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
She was taken into custody at about 5 a.m. and had reportedly not returned home since. Her legal team argued that she voluntarily returned to Nigeria to comply with the court’s order, yet was detained on arrival.
During Wednesday’s session, the court reiterated the importance of upholding due process and instructed the EFCC to act in line with the law. Justice Ekwo stressed that any violation of the order would not be taken lightly.
Reports from close sources suggest Achimugu has refused food since being detained, in protest against what she considers an unlawful arrest after submitting herself as ordered.
The matter is expected to continue drawing attention when parties reconvene on Friday to determine whether the EFCC has obeyed the court’s directive.
Crediblebewsng.com
