The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a socialite and known associate of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wanted over alleged involvement in money laundering.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the EFCC announced that Achimugu is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy and financial misconduct.
This development follows a report by Peoples Gazette, which alleged that Governor Sanwo-Olu, through Achimugu, funneled public funds to opposition politicians Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources revealed that investigators widened their probe to examine how Achimugu might have played a role in financing opposition leaders during the 2023 elections.
Officials alleged that she was identified as a key operative facilitating financial transactions on behalf of Sanwo-Olu, both within and outside Nigeria.
“The investigation initially focused on how she helped the Lagos governor move money abroad, but agents later discovered she also distributed funds domestically,” an official familiar with the probe stated.
“This led to findings that she may have delivered funds to opposition figures after the presidential election.”
The EFCC confirmed it had secured a warrant for Achimugu’s arrest, citing her alleged role in money laundering and an investment fraud scheme.
Reports suggest she left Nigeria shortly before she was due to appear before investigators.
Officials further suggested that some of the funds may have been disbursed after the election as part of a political compromise aimed at bolstering Sanwo-Olu’s re-election prospects, particularly following President Bola Tinubu’s unexpected loss in Lagos.
Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku Abubakar, dismissed the allegations, calling them an attempt by the presidency to undermine opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections. He also criticized Peoples Gazette for publishing the claims without prior input from Abubakar’s camp.
The controversy continues to unfold as authorities intensify efforts to track Achimugu and further probe the alleged financial transactions.
(Prompt news)