The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental human rights suit filed by Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the search of her residence and the seizure of her vehicles, jewellery and other belongings.
Justice M.S. Liman, who delivered judgment on Monday, October 12, 2026, in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, held that the anti-graft agency had the statutory authority to search the plaintiff’s property following intelligence concerning alleged criminal activities.
The court also rejected Achimugu’s demand for ₦10 billion in damages over what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
In the suit, Achimugu had asked the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its legal powers when it searched her residence and seized her cars, jewellery and other items.
She also sought the enforcement of her fundamental rights to privacy and an order restraining the commission from allegedly threatening, harassing or invading her private residence.
However, Justice Liman ruled that the EFCC was empowered to conduct the search after receiving intelligence relating to alleged criminal activities.
“The EFCC has the right to search the residence,” the judge said.
The court further held that Achimugu and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the substantial damages sought against the commission.
Consequently, the judge dismissed the ₦10 billion compensation claim, ruling that the plaintiff had not demonstrated a basis for the award.
Justice Liman maintained that there was no sufficient legal justification to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory responsibilities in the circumstances of the case.
The court consequently dismissed the suit for lacking merit, describing it as frivolous and brought in bad faith.
Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, welcomed the decision, describing it as being in the interest of justice.
Mgbemele also argued that the suit was an attempt to waste the court’s time.
The judgment represents a legal victory for the EFCC in the dispute over its search of Achimugu’s residence and the subsequent seizure of her property.
