Prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Achimugu arrived at the court around 11:35 a.m., escorted by two female EFCC operatives. Her arraignment comes just a day after she was taken into custody at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon returning from London.
Justice Inyang Ekwo had on Monday ordered Achimugu to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and to appear before the court on April 30, 2025. The EFCC had declared her wanted in March over allegations involving criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Her court appearance marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation by the anti-graft agency.
What you should know
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Aisha Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 29, 2025, and in court on April 30, 2025, to respond to serious allegations under investigation.
This order followed a ruling on a suit Achimugu filed against multiple law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Police, ICPC, DSS, and others.
EFCC Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, presented a counter-affidavit citing that Achimugu is under investigation for conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, corruption, and unlawful possession of property.
Though she initially honoured EFCC’s invitation in February and was granted administrative bail, she later failed to report, opting instead to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit, which was dismissed in a previous case.
EFCC’s affidavit revealed that N8.71 billion was traced to her accounts, which she claimed were investment funds for oil block acquisition.
However, the Commission stated the transactions were suspicious, allegedly involving cash payments via bureau de change and lacking traceable legitimate sources.
The EFCC added that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts and that her recent legal action may be an attempt to derail the investigation, which remains ongoing with further evidence being gathered.
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