BREAKING: Aisha Achimugu ‘arrested’ by EFCC at Abuja airport – Lawyer

A prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, has been “arrested” by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to her legal team.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chikaosolu Ojukwu confirmed in a statement to Nairametrics on Tuesday that Achimugu, who voluntarily returned to Nigeria from London, was taken into EFCC custody around 5 a.m. upon her arrival.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that Achimugu’s legal representatives had informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that she intended to honor the EFCC’s invitation regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Ojukwu emphasized that Achimugu’s return complied with an undertaking made before the court, yet she was immediately “arrested” at the airport.

“She has immediately gone on a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu alleged, calling the action a breach of the rule of law.

When contacted by Nairametrics, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed that Achimugu was scheduled to appear before the Commission on Tuesday, in line with court proceedings. However, he said he would issue a detailed response regarding the claim of her arrest in due course.

Previously, Achimugu’s lawyers, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against several agencies, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Immigration Service, seeking to restrain any planned arrest or detention.

In an earlier notice, the EFCC had publicly declared Achimugu wanted, accusing her of involvement in a case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

In response to her court application (suit FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025), Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled on April 11 that Achimugu must appear before the EFCC on April 29, 2025, as she had indicated in her affidavit. The judge also ordered that EFCC must report back to the court on her appearance by April 30, 2025.

Justice Ekwo noted that Achimugu had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, which lapsed when she allegedly failed to respond to their invitations.

Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a conglomerate with interests across engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.

Her case has drawn significant public attention, particularly against the backdrop of increased scrutiny on financial activities connected to Nigeria’s political scene following the 2023 elections.

It is important to note that the allegations against Achimugu remain unproven until determined by a competent court of law.