Money laundering: EFCC arrests Aisha Achimugu at Abuja Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested businesswoman Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, shortly after her arrival from London.

Achimugu, who was declared wanted by the EFCC in March for alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering, was apprehended around 5 a.m., according to a report by The Punch.

Her lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed that Achimugu returned to Nigeria voluntarily in line with a court directive issued on Monday.

“Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday,” Ojukwu said.

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had ordered Achimugu to report to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, and to appear before the court the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Ojukwu, however, condemned the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of the court’s 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 also disclosed that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike in protest, saying, “She is a prisoner of conscience.”

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest and defended the commission’s decision.

Anti-graft commission is yet to official confirm Achimugu’s arrest at the time of filing this report.