Businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the early hours of Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja — just moments after flying in from London.
The arrest, which took place around 5 a.m., has sparked fresh questions about the EFCC’s handling of high-profile investigations, especially as Achimugu had voluntarily returned to the country. Her lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), said she came back to honour a court order and was surprised to be detained at the airport.
“This is a breach of her rights. She didn’t sneak into the country. She returned in good faith to meet her legal obligations,” Ojukwu said, adding that Achimugu had now begun a hunger strike to protest the arrest.
The EFCC had declared her wanted in March over allegations of money laundering, fraud, and illegal acquisition of oil assets. Although the agency is yet to officially confirm her arrest, sources within the commission say Aisha Achimugu is being held over ongoing investigations involving the suspicious inflow of over N8.7 billion into her company’s accounts.
According to documents seen by the court, the money was allegedly linked to the acquisition of two oil blocks worth $25.3 million. Investigators claim the money trail is unclear and possibly connected to fraudulent activities, with funds reportedly paid in cash through bureau de change operators.
Despite these allegations, her lawyer insists that Achimugu had already explained her side during earlier EFCC questioning in February and was granted bail at the time. He accused the agency of ignoring a recent court order and acting in bad faith.
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The arrest comes just a day after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to appear before both the EFCC and the court this week. Yet, her lawyer argues that the arrest contradicts the spirit of the court proceedings.
“She is not running from justice. She’s already in court. What’s the need for this drama?” Ojukwu asked.
