The Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million connected to Aisha Achimugu’s company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), concluding that neither Achimugu nor her company provided evidence that the funds were obtained legitimately.

The court dismissed claims by the company’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, that the money was derived from gifts to Achimugu and proceeds from gas and oil-related contracts, noting the assertions were unsupported by material facts.

Justice Nwite also rejected the argument that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the interim forfeiture order on August 22, 2025, while sitting as a vacation court.

The judge affirmed the EFCC’s compliance with applicable laws, including Order 46(5) of the FHC and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, as submitted by the agency’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

Justice Nwite described claims that the EFCC acted as an “interloper” in the matter—because no individual or corporate entity had directly complained about missing funds—as “baseless.”

The forfeiture order follows the EFCC’s investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, part of broader efforts to combat economic and financial crimes.

The ruling finalizes the interim forfeiture previously granted, ensuring that the $13 million is permanently seized under Nigerian law.

The court’s decision reinforces judicial support for anti-graft actions and underscores the need for transparent financial practices in corporate operations.

This case adds to ongoing enforcement efforts by the EFCC to recover funds deemed proceeds of unlawful activities.