Aisha Achimugu, a prominent businesswoman and socialite, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
She was taken into custody at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday, shortly after arriving from London.
A senior official of the EFCC confirmed the arrest in a telephone conversation with Channels Television.
Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Her lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), confirmed the development, stating, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 am on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu criticized the arrest, arguing that it contravened 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 said.
He further revealed that Achimugu has started a hunger strike in protest of what he described as a violation of her rights.
“She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu added.
As of the time of reporting, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not officially confirmed the arrest.
The arrest followed a ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directing Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and to also be present in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
In a statement released earlier by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said the court’s order was issued in response to a suit filed by Achimugu against multiple security agencies, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho told the court that the Commission had filed a counter-affidavit, supported by testimony from investigator Chris Odofin, explaining the reasons behind Achimugu’s invitation.
Odofin stated in the affidavit that Achimugu is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and unlawful acquisition of property.
According to him, Achimugu initially complied with an EFCC invitation on February 12, 2024, during which she made a written statement and was granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.
However, she allegedly failed to honour subsequent appointments, choosing instead to file a suit challenging the Commission’s actions.
In her statement to the EFCC, Achimugu reportedly explained an inflow of N8.71 billion into her company’s accounts as an “investment fund” intended for acquiring an oil block.
She claimed the funds were remitted to the Federal Government’s account through her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, and referenced documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Nonetheless, the EFCC’s investigation revealed that Achimugu’s company had acquired two oil blocks — Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO — at a cost of $25.3 million.
The Commission stated that the funds used were allegedly paid in cash through bureau de change channels and their sources could not be traced to any verifiable business or investment.
The EFCC further alleged that the acquisition was marred by corrupt practices and that, as of the time of investigation, no exploration or production activity had commenced on either block.
The Commission accused Achimugu of using the fundamental rights enforcement suit as a means to obstruct the ongoing investigation.
It also referenced an earlier decision in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024, in which the court dismissed her claim of rights violations.
