The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested Nigerian businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, shortly after she arrived from London.
Sources confirmed that Achimugu, who had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March, was taken into custody around 5 a.m. upon landing in Nigeria’s capital. She is facing serious allegations involving criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Just a day before her arrest, Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had instructed Achimugu to report to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, and also to appear in court the following day, Wednesday, April 30.
Her legal counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, told reporters that his client voluntarily returned to Nigeria to comply with the court’s directive and EFCC’s invitation, only to be arrested upon arrival. “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday,” he said.
Ojukwu also raised concerns over the EFCC’s actions, saying they went against the court’s instruction. He noted that the arrest was unjustified, as his client had come back of her own will and had planned to honour her scheduled appointments.
“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 stated.
In protest of her treatment, Achimugu has reportedly begun a hunger strike. Her lawyer described her current condition as that of a “prisoner of conscience,” claiming that her basic rights were being denied.
An EFCC official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the arrest and insisted it was necessary under the circumstances. “We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to continue to walk freely. Secondly, the court said she must appear before us today. We were not restricted from arresting her; what the court said was if she comes, she should not be detained,” the source explained.
He further questioned the certainty of her cooperation. “How are you sure she would appear before us today? Now that we have seen her, we have a course to ensure she appears,” he added.
