The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday morning. Achimugu, who had just returned from London, was apprehended around 5 a.m. shortly after her arrival.
Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Her arrest follows a directive from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which, on Monday, ordered her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and also before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Confirming her arrest, Achimugu’s lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, expressed outrage, alleging that the EFCC’s actions violated a court order. Ojukwu explained that his client had voluntarily returned to Nigeria based on her commitment to comply with the court’s instructions, only to be detained at the airport.
“She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu added, stating that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike to protest the alleged infringement of her rights.
An EFCC source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, stating that the commission had no choice but to act after Achimugu’s failure to comply with previous directives. The source also clarified that the court had not prohibited her detention, but only stipulated that she should not be held unless necessary.
As of the time of reporting, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
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