Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a renowned business executive and socialite, was reportedly arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) early Tuesday morning, according to her legal team.
Speaking to Nairametrics, senior advocate Chikaosolu Ojukwu confirmed that Achimugu, who returned voluntarily from London, was detained at the airport around 5 a.m., contrary to expectations that she would meet the EFCC in line with a court directive.
Ojukwu emphasized that his client’s return was based on an earlier commitment made in court on Monday. “She came back in good faith, in line with the court’s direction, but was arrested upon arrival,” he stated, adding that Achimugu had since begun a hunger strike in protest. “She is a prisoner of conscience,” he claimed.
The EFCC has not officially commented on the arrest. However, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Achimugu was scheduled to appear before investigators on Tuesday, and said more details would be provided in due time.
Just a day before her return, Achimugu’s legal representatives, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, filed a fundamental human rights suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit named six security agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Police, and the DSS, as respondents.
The court had previously directed these agencies to respond to Achimugu’s legal action seeking to prevent her arrest and detention. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter, confirmed that Achimugu was under EFCC investigation but noted that she had previously been granted administrative bail, which had lapsed when she failed to respond to a summons.
Justice Ekwo then ordered Achimugu to report to the EFCC on April 29 and for the Commission to return to court with her on April 30 to provide an update.
EFCC Declared Her Wanted
Before her return, the EFCC had declared Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. A public notice signed by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale asked Nigerians to report her whereabouts to the Commission.
Who is Aisha Achimugu?
Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, engineering, IT, and maritime services. Her name has surfaced amid ongoing probes into financial dealings linked to Nigeria’s political circles, especially following the disputed 2023 elections.
While the EFCC ramps up investigations, Achimugu’s fate now lies with the court, which is set to determine the legality of the agency’s actions and the validity of the allegations.
