The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours.

The ruling was issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday, also directing all parties involved to report back to the court on May 2, 2025, to confirm compliance.

Recall that Achimugu was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday morning upon her arrival from London.

The EFCC had previously declared her wanted in connection with allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties suspected to have been unlawfully acquired.

Justice Ekwo had on Monday, ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an ongoing investigation of her alleged crimes.

The Judge also held that following her appearance at the EFCC office, the anti-graft agency is to return with her and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, to report.

This issue is sequel to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Achimugu at the Federal High Court against the EFCC, DSS, Civil Defence, police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, alleging violations of her rights.

The suit was part of her legal battle following her previous arrest and investigation by the EFCC on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

Her legal action prompted the court to order her appearance before the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, and subsequently before the court on April 30.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to May 2, 2025.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court admitted into evidence an extra-judicial statement made by Kanu in 2015, shortly after his initial arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The statement was presented by a DSS operative who testified anonymously as the first prosecution witness, identified only as PWAAA.

The witness, shielded from public view, gave his testimony from behind a screen.

DSS Witness Details 2015 Arrest, Interrogation Videos

PWAAA told the court that he led the team that arrested Kanu on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel near the Lagos International Airport, following his return from the United Kingdom.

The witness also tendered video recordings of interrogations conducted after Kanu’s arrest and presented four suitcases retrieved from Kanu’s hotel room.

These were admitted into evidence by Justice James Omotosho and marked as exhibits.

Detailed Inventory of Items Recovered

Below is a summary of the contents of the four suitcases presented by the DSS:

Suitcase 1: Electronic Equipment

• Black laptop
• Multi mix transmitter
• Apple iPads (mini white & grey)
• MacBooks (2 units, with pouch and case)
• Mini drone sound wave speaker
• Mini white speakers (2 units)
• Computer mouse
• Adaptors and laptop charger
• Carton bag containing a laptop

Suitcase 2: Communication Devices & Accessories

Multiple 3G, 4G, and brand-specific modems (Glo, MTN, Etisalat)

Flash drives

Camcorder and audio recorders

MacBook Pro adaptor

Microphones and stands

Headphones

Assorted phones (Samsung, Nokia, Motorola)

Extension wire adaptor

Personal items (shoes, belt, sneakers, footwear)

Suitcase 3: Personal Effects

Multiple wristwatches (Softech, Diesel, Fredrick Peckham, Alexander Christy, etc.)

Singlets

Perfumes (Hermes, Pokham)

Trinkets

Suitcase 4: Identification & Documents

Bank MasterCards (3)

IPOB-related documents and complementary card

Nigerian and British passports bearing names Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya Nnamdi Ngozichukwu

Perfumes and oils

Clippers, medicine

Black purses and card holders

Rocarden wristwatch box

Bundled cords

The prosecution has accused Kanu of treasonable felony, among other charges, relating to his activities as leader of IPOB.

The trial is set to resume on May 2, when further arguments and evidence are expected to be presented.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel (a.k.a. E-Money), for allegedly abusing the Naira note.

It was gathered that he was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos.

Sources within the commission on Tuesday said E-Money was arrested for allegedly spraying United States dollars, an act said to be in violation of the Foreign Exchange Act.

One of the sources said, “On Monday night, we arrested E-Money for Naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies.

Specifically, he was alleged to have sprayed U.S. dollars, which is against the Foreign Exchange Act.

“He was arrested at his Omole, Lagos residence. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Another source who confirmed his arrest stated that E-Money is currently being flown to Abuja for questioning.

The source, who is not authorised to speak to the press, said, “Yes, he has been arrested and is being flown to Abuja as I speak, to face investigators on the issue.”

When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the matter.