The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended businesswoman Aisha Achimugu early Tuesday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to information obtained, Achimugu was taken into custody at approximately 5am following her return from London.
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The EFCC had previously declared Achimugu wanted in March over allegations related to criminal conspiracy and money laundering activities.
Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order on Monday directing Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC on Tuesday, with a subsequent court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her legal representative, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, verified the arrest in a communication, stating, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu expressed disapproval of the EFCC’s approach, characterizing it as contrary to court directives.
“In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport,” he said.
The lawyer additionally mentioned that Achimugu had initiated a hunger strike in protest against what he described as an infringement of her basic rights.”She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu said.
A reliable source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, confirmed the arrest and explained: “We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to continue to walk freely. Secondly, the court said she must appear before us today. We were not restricted from arresting her; what the court said was if she comes, she should not be detained.”How are you sure she would appear before us today? Now that we have seen her, we have a course to ensure she appears.”
No official comment yet from the anti graft agency.
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