The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to reports, she was taken into custody at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday following her return from London.
Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over allegations of “criminal conspiracy and money laundering.”
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu condemned the agency’s action, calling it a violation of 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.
He also disclosed that Achimugu had commenced a hunger strike to protest what he termed a breach of her fundamental rights.
“She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu said.
An authoritative source within the EFCC who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue confirmed the arrest to our correspondent saying, “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.”
As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls and messages for comment.
What you should know
Aisha Achimugu, declared wanted over alleged money laundering, was arrested upon returning to Nigeria despite a court order directing she not be detained if she complied with EFCC summons.
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