Court Orders Final Forfeiture of $13m Linked to Aisha Achimugu Firm

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite granted an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the funds to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

The court held that neither Oceangate Engineering nor Achimugu provided sufficient evidence to establish that the funds were lawfully acquired. It also found that claims by the company’s counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, that the money originated from gifts and proceeds of oil and gas contracts were not backed by credible documentation.

Justice Nwite dismissed arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction, including objections to an earlier interim forfeiture order issued on August 22, 2025, during the court’s vacation sitting.

The judge affirmed the EFCC’s position, presented by its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that all legal requirements were followed in obtaining both the interim and final forfeiture orders. He cited compliance with relevant provisions, including Order 46(5) of the Federal High Court Rules and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006.

The court also rejected claims that the EFCC acted without basis, ruling that the agency was within its mandate to investigate and seek forfeiture without a formal complaint from an individual or entity.

More to follow……