The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday apprehended businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Sources revealed that Achimugu was taken into custody around 5 a.m., shortly after arriving from London.
In March, the EFCC declared Achimugu wanted over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, under the supervision of Justice I.E. Ekwo, directed her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and to appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her legal representative, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, verified her arrest in a message to our correspondent, 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 EFCC’s move, calling it a breach of a court directive.
“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 remarked.
He also noted that Achimugu had initiated a hunger strike in protest of what he described as a violation of her basic rights.
“She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu stated.
A high-ranking EFCC official, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed the arrest, 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 the time this report was filed, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or messages regarding the incident.
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