The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday apprehended businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Sources told the Punch that Achimugu was arrested around 5 a.m. shortly after arriving from London.
In March, the EFCC declared Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
A day before her arrest, Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Confirming the arrest, her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, said, “Aisha Achimugu, who voluntarily returned from London, was arrested by EFCC officials around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu criticised the EFCC’s actions, claiming they violated a court order.
“Following the court proceedings on Monday, my client returned in good faith to honour the EFCC’s invitation, only to be arrested at the airport,” he said.
He added that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike in protest, labelling her “a prisoner of conscience.”
An EFCC source, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the arrest.
“We declared her wanted and couldn’t let her walk free. The court mandated her appearance today, but didn’t stop us from arresting her. It only said she must not be detained if she appears. How could we be sure she would show up voluntarily? Now that she’s here, we must ensure her appearance,” the source said.
As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or messages seeking official comments
