Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release businesswoman Aisha Achimugu from custody within 24 hours.
The judge issued the order on Tuesday following a brief hearing, directing both parties to return to court on May 2, 2025.
This comes barely 24 hours after Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on arrival from London.
She had earlier been declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in connection with alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and illegal possession of properties.
Justice Ekwo, in a ruling delivered on Monday, had ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the EFCC in line with the ongoing investigation.
He further instructed the commission to ensure she was presented before the court on Wednesday, April 30, for a status update.
However, following her arrest at the airport, Achimugu’s legal team argued that the EFCC’s action violated the court’s directive.
Her team said she returned to Nigeria voluntarily in compliance with the court’s instruction.
The Commission previously claimed Achimugu had jumped administrative bail, which led to her being declared wanted in March.