$13m Forfeiture Row, Achimugu Challenges EFCC in Court
The Nigerian judicial system is currently witnessing a high-stakes legal confrontation as prominent businesswoman Achimugu challenges EFCC forfeiture proceedings involving a staggering $13 million. Aisha Achimugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, has formally entered a fierce contest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the agency’s attempt to secure a final forfeiture order for funds and assets linked to her.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the wealth involved, took a decisive turn at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where legal representatives for the socialite argued that the anti-graft agency’s actions are a breach of her fundamental rights and a misinterpretation of her legitimate business earnings.
The controversy began when the EFCC obtained an interim forfeiture order, claiming that the $13 million in question was likely the proceeds of unlawful activity. However, Achimugu has remained steadfast in her defense, filing a counter-affidavit that details the sources of her wealth. She maintains that every dollar being targeted was earned through transparent international business transactions, maritime consultancy, and civil engineering projects handled by her various firms. Her legal team argues that the commission has failed to provide concrete evidence linking the funds to any specific crime, labeling the move as an “unjustified intrusion” into the private financial affairs of a law-abiding citizen.
At the heart of the matter is the EFCC’s assertion that the funds were part of a larger network of suspicious transfers. The commission’s investigators allege that the money was kept in several bank accounts and invested in high-end real estate, which they now seek to bring under the control of the Federal Government. In response, the Achimugu challenges EFCC forfeiture narrative has focused on procedural flaws. Her lawyers have pointed out that the businesswoman was not given a fair opportunity to explain the transactions before the move for forfeiture was initiated, suggesting that the agency acted with “undue haste” to label her earnings as illicit.
The proceedings at the Abuja High Court have been marked by intense arguments regarding the burden of proof. While the EFCC insists that the “suspicious nature” of the bank inflows justifies the seizure, the defense maintains that in a democratic society, the state cannot simply seize private property without proving a direct link to a criminal act. Achimugu, known for her philanthropic activities and presence in the global business circle, has expressed confidence that the judiciary will see through the “speculative” nature of the allegations. The court has now adjourned the matter to allow both parties to file additional responses, ensuring that every detail of the financial trail is scrutinized.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a litmus test for the balance between the state’s power to fight financial crime and the protection of individual property rights. The outcome of the $13 million row will likely have significant implications for how the EFCC handles future forfeiture cases involving high-net-worth individuals. For now, Aisha Achimugu remains resolute, positioning her legal challenge as a fight for justice and the vindication of her hard-earned reputation in the international business community.