The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday morning arrested prominent businesswoman and socialite Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja
Achimugu, who had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March, was taken into custody shortly after her arrival from London at about 5 a.m.
She is facing allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear in court the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest, stating: “Aisha Achimugu, who voluntarily returned to the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”
Ojukwu criticized the EFCC’s actions, describing them as a breach of a court order. He said his client had returned in good faith, honoring the court’s directive and the EFCC’s invitation.
“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 added that Achimugu had commenced a hunger strike in protest, calling herself a “prisoner of conscience” over what she claims is a violation of her fundamental rights.
An EFCC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the arrest and defended the agency’s actions.
“We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to continue to walk freely,” the source said. “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. How are you sure she would appear? Now that we have seen her, we have a course to ensure she appears.”
As of the time of this report, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to requests for comment.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
 on Tuesday morning arrested prominent businesswoman and socialite Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja){kind=link}