The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after her arrival from London.
Achimugu, who was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, was apprehended around 5 a.m., according to EFCC sources.
Her arrest comes just a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and to appear in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest, stating that Achimugu had returned to Nigeria voluntarily in compliance with the court’s directive. He criticised the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of the court’s instruction not to detain her.
“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,” Ojukwu said. He added that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike in protest, calling her a “prisoner of conscience.”
A senior EFCC official, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, asserting that the agency had the right to ensure her appearance.
“We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to walk freely. The court said she must appear before us today. We weren’t barred from arresting her,” the source explained. “How were we to be sure she would show up?”
As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to multiple calls and messages seeking official comment.
Achimugu’s arrest adds to the growing list of high-profile individuals under EFCC investigation amid a renewed anti-corruption drive.
