The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N10 billion 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 cars, jewellery and other belongings.
Justice M.S. Liman, who delivered judgment in the suit, held that the anti-graft agency had the power to search the businesswoman’s property after receiving intelligence concerning her alleged criminal activities.
The judge consequently dismissed Achimugu’s claims, including her demand for N10 billion in damages over the alleged invasion of her privacy.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/466/2026, Achimugu had approached the court to determine whether the EFCC acted within its statutory powers when it searched her residence and seized her vehicles, jewellery and other items.
She also sought the enforcement of her fundamental right to privacy, asking the court to restrain the commission from allegedly threatening or harassing her and invading her private residence.
As part of the reliefs sought, the businesswoman requested N10 billion in damages against the EFCC for what she described as an invasion of her privacy.
However, in dismissing the suit, Justice Liman upheld the commission’s authority to conduct the search in the circumstances presented before the court.
“EFCC has the right to search the residence,” the judge said.
The court also held that Achimugu and her legal representatives had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the substantial damages sought against the commission.
Justice Liman consequently rejected her N10 billion damages claim, holding that there was nothing to prevent the EFCC from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The judge described the suit as lacking merit and dismissed it, reportedly characterising it as “frivolous” and brought in “bad faith”.
The decision represents a legal victory for the EFCC, which had defended its actions against the businesswoman’s allegations of violations of her fundamental rights.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the commission, Emenike Mgbemele, described the decision as being in the interest of justice.
Mgbemele also alleged that the suit was an attempt to waste the time of the court.
The judgment brings the proceedings to an end at the Federal High Court, with the businesswoman’s claims for the enforcement of her fundamental rights and monetary compensation dismissed.
