Wanted Nigerian businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Achimugu who was declared wanted in March by the anti-graft agency on allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering was arrested on Tuesday, April 29, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to a report by Punch, Achimugu was arrested around 5: 00 am shortly after her return from London.
It would be recalled that Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and also to appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
According to Punch, the businesswoman’s lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed her arrest in a message, saying, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu criticised the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of a court order.
“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 further 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.
Punch quoted an authoritative source within the EFCC who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue confirming the arrest.
“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.”
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, is yet to comment on Achimugu’s arrest.
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