Court seize $13 million wey dem link to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu as fraud money

Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court for Abuja don finally order say $13 million wey dem link to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu and her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, make dem forfeit am to Federal Government. The judge rule say the money na proceeds of fraud and unlawful activities, and the company no fit show how dem get the money legitimately.

EFCC don dey follow this case since 2025 when dem first get interim order to seize the money. According to EFCC investigator Usman Aliyu, intelligence show say Oceangate use money wey dem suspect say na from illegal activities to pay signature bonuses for oil blocks PPL302 and PPL3007 from Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Justice Nwite talk say Oceangate fail woefully to establish how dem come about the $13 million. The company claim say part of the money na gifts wey dem give to their Group Chief Executive Officer Aisha Achimugu, but the judge note say neither Achimugu nor any of the alleged donors show for court to testify.

The judge stress say EFCC succeed to convince court say the funds na proceeds of fraud based on their investigation. Dem find say part of the money come from huge sum wey state government transfer to contractors for execution of contracts, but Oceangate no get any contractual or business relationship with those contractors.

EFCC investigator Aliyu describe Oceangate as “briefcase/shell company” wey dem create as vehicle to hold petroleum assets wey dem buy with tainted funds. Dem also find say Iliya Wakil, wey swear affidavit for Oceangate, na mere nominal director with no shareholding status for the company and na employee of Felak Concept Group Limited wey Achimugu also own.

Justice Nwite had on 22 August 2025 grant EFCC interim order to forfeit the $13 million and direct the commission to publish the order for national daily. After 14 days wey dem give for interested persons to show cause why the money no go forfeit permanently, the judge now make final ruling on Wednesday.

This case na part of EFCC fight against corruption and money laundering for Nigeria. The anti-graft agency don dey investigate several high-profile cases involving public funds and suspicious financial transactions. The final forfeiture of $13 million na big win for EFCC in their efforts to recover stolen funds.

Legal experts talk say this ruling go serve as warning to others wey dey use companies as front for illegal financial activities. The court don show say dem no go accept claims of legitimate business without proper evidence and documentation.

Meanwhile, for separate news, police for Akwa Ibom State don arrest Chief Edet, village head of Asik Ubofa Fishing Settlement for Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, for illegal possession of firearm. Police spokesperson Timfon John say dem recover one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the suspect.

Also for Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako of Federal High Court dismiss suit wey human rights lawyer Ejime Okolie file to challenge political parties nomination fees. The judge say the matter fall within internal affairs of political parties and court no go interfere.