… Appellate court deals fresh legal blow to anti-graft agency over 15-month account freeze dispute
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has rejected an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking permission to challenge a ruling on the freezing of bank accounts linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Supreme Court.
The decision marks another legal setback for the anti-graft agency in its attempt to overturn the earlier ruling that vacated an interim order freezing the affected accounts.
15-Month Freeze Deemed an ‘Abuse of Court Process’
The Court of Appeal had, on July 22, 2026, set aside the interim freezing order obtained by the EFCC on April 10, 2025, after considering the circumstances surrounding the application and the duration of the restriction.
In its earlier decision, the court held that maintaining the interim order for more than 15 months amounted to an abuse of court process.
The dispute reportedly involves a transfer of N1.8 billion, which forms part of the issues surrounding the EFCC’s investigation and the legal proceedings involving Achimugu.
EFCC’s Bid Rejected
Dissatisfied with the July ruling, the EFCC approached the appellate court to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
However, the Court of Appeal dismissed the application, dealing another blow to the commission’s effort to challenge the decision.
Other Legal Battles Remain
The latest ruling does not automatically resolve other legal proceedings involving Achimugu. Separate cases, including a final forfeiture proceeding involving N8.9 billion and a fundamental rights suit seeking N10 billion in damages, remain distinct from the bank-account freezing dispute.
The decision concerns the EFCC’s application to pursue a further appeal and should not be interpreted as a determination of the underlying allegations or as a finding on Achimugu’s guilt or innocence.
The development adds another chapter to the ongoing legal dispute between the businesswoman and the anti-graft agency over the investigation, the restrictions placed on the accounts and the subsequent court proceedings.
Why It Matters
This ruling by the Court of Appeal strikes at the heart of a persistent tension in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework: the balance between the EFCC’s investigative powers and the constitutional rights of citizens.
The appellate court’s earlier determination that a 15-month interim freeze constituted an “abuse of court process” is a significant judicial rebuke. Interim freezing orders are meant to be temporary, precautionary measures to prevent the dissipation of funds while an investigation is ongoing. When such orders stretch into years without formal charges or a determination of the case, they can morph from investigative tools into punitive measures that cripple a citizen’s economic lifeline without due process.
By refusing the EFCC leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal has effectively closed the door on this specific legal avenue for the agency. It is a reminder that the judiciary remains a vital check against regulatory overreach, ensuring that the fight against corruption does not trample on the fundamental rights of the accused.
However, the legal war is far from over. With a final forfeiture proceeding involving N8.9 billion and a N10 billion fundamental rights suit still pending, the substantive allegations have yet to be tested. The latest ruling is a procedural victory for Achimugu, but it is not the final verdict on her innocence or guilt.
For the EFCC, the case raises critical questions about its litigation strategy and the management of high-profile financial investigations. To maintain public trust, the Commission must ensure that its pursuit of justice is as meticulous in the courtroom as it is in the field.
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