The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release Aisha Achimugu, a businesswoman and socialite, from detention within 24 hours. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that Achimugu should be freed on the same terms as her earlier administrative bail.

The court order came after Achimugu was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by EFCC operatives. The EFCC had alleged that Achimugu was under investigation for conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and corruption.

According to the EFCC, Achimugu’s company acquired two oil blocks at a cost of $25.3 million, but investigations showed that the payments were allegedly made in cash via bureau de change operators, and the ultimate sources of the funds could not be traced to any legitimate business income.

The court ordered the parties to return on Friday to report on compliance with the order.