A Federal High Court in Lagos has rejected the bail application of Aminah Momoh-Orimoloye, a UK-based businesswoman facing allegations of defrauding investors of ₦500 million. Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the ruling, keeping Momoh-Orimoloye in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody where she has remained since August 5, 2025.
Momoh-Orimoloye, who holds British citizenship, serves as the Coordinator of the Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Livestock Agriculture (EEWYLA) and founded Oriyon International Limited. The EFCC arrested her following a petition by businessman Salihu Mohammed, who alleged she conspired with others to divert ₦500 million from a foreign exchange transaction valued at ₦1.66 billion.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, argued that the prolonged detention without formal charges violated her client’s fundamental rights. The defense claimed the EFCC had imposed “onerous, unfair and unreasonable” bail conditions and cited concerns about Momoh-Orimoloye’s deteriorating health and alleged harassment during interrogations.
The EFCC countered these arguments in their response, maintaining that the businesswoman had failed to provide credible sureties as required for bail. The anti-graft agency also expressed concerns about flight risk, pointing to her UK residency as a factor that could lead to her absconding if released.
Justice Kakaki ruled against the bail application, emphasizing that the responsibility lay with the applicant to meet the established bail conditions. “Since the respondent granted bail and the applicant cannot fulfil the terms, such cannot be said to amount to a breach of her rights. What the applicant should do is to meet the bail conditions,” the judge stated.
The court formally dismissed the motion, declaring that the application “as constituted is hereby refused.”
The ruling means Momoh-Orimoloye will remain in EFCC custody until she can satisfy the bail requirements or until her case proceeds to trial. The case highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes, particularly those involving large sums and international elements.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
