EFCC Arrests Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at Abuja Airport Over Alleged Money Laundering

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

Achimugu, who had been declared wanted in March for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering, was taken into custody at about 5 a.m., according to sources familiar with the matter.

Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest to our correspondent, saying, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”

Ojukwu criticised the arrest, calling it a violation of a court order. “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 revealed that Achimugu had begun a hunger strike in protest of her arrest, describing her as “a prisoner of conscience.”

Achimugu’s arrest came a day after Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and appear in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

An EFCC source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, stating: “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.”

“How are you sure she would appear before us today? Now that we have seen her, we have a course to ensure she appears,” the source added.

As of the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or messages seeking comment.