EFCC arrests Aisha Achimugu over alleged money laundering

By Kunle Sanni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested Nigerian businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja following her return from London.

Achimugu, who was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, was taken into custody around 5 a.m., according to a report by PUNCH newspaper.

Her arrest came a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to present herself at the EFCC office on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Confirming the development, her legal counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, criticised the EFCC’s action, stating that it violated the court’s directive. “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily in the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday,” Ojukwu said.

He added that the arrest was unjust, given her willingness to comply with 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.

Ojukwu further revealed that Achimugu had commenced a hunger strike in protest of her detention, describing her as “a prisoner of conscience.”