The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, shortly after she arrived from London.
Achimugu, who had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering, was apprehended around 5 a.m., according to sources familiar with the matter.
On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC on Tuesday and to appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest and criticised the anti-graft agency’s actions.
“Aisha Achimugu voluntarily returned to the country based on an undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation.
Despite this, she was arrested at the airport,” he said.
Ojukwu described the arrest as a violation of the court’s directive, claiming it infringes on her fundamental rights.
He also revealed that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike in protest. “She is a prisoner of conscience,” he added.
An EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, defended the agency’s decision, noting that although the court advised against detaining her upon appearance, the arrest was lawful.
“We declared her wanted, and she cannot be allowed to continue walking free.
The court asked her to appear before us today—how could we be certain she would?” the source said.
As of the time of this report, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.