Breaking News: EFCC Arrests Business Mogul Aisha Achimugu at Airport Despite Court-Assured Appearance
Renowned Nigerian business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sparking legal uproar over alleged breach of court undertakings.
Her arrest was confirmed by her lead counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, who disclosed that EFCC operatives took Achimugu into custody around 5 a.m. immediately after her voluntary return from London at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“She has immediately gone on a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu said, accusing the anti-graft agency of violating the spirit of an understanding presented in court. “This arrest flies in the face of due process and the rule of law.”
Just a day earlier, on Monday, Achimugu’s legal team had informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of her commitment to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, as directed by the court. The arrangement followed her legal challenge against multiple security agencies over what she termed unlawful threats to her freedom.
Achimugu, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group—a multi-sector conglomerate spanning engineering, oil and gas, maritime, and IT—was declared wanted by the EFCC on March 28, 2025, over allegations tied to money laundering and criminal conspiracy, allegedly linked to the now-defunct MBA Trading and Capital Limited.
The EFCC, in a previously filed affidavit, claimed Achimugu had jumped administrative bail after failing to honour further invitations. In response, Achimugu filed suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, seeking court protection from arrest by six agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, and Nigerian Immigration Service.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the matter, ruled that since Achimugu had shown willingness to cooperate, there was no legal justification for arrest or detention, and ordered her appearance before the EFCC on April 29. The judge also directed the EFCC to report back to the court on April 30 with an update on her compliance.
However, in a brief statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed only that Achimugu was expected at the Commission today. On reports of her airport arrest, he said, “The agency will respond in due course.”
Achimugu’s legal team, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, insists the arrest undermines the judicial process, and have signaled their intention to challenge the development in court.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor the case and provide timely updates as the legal drama unfolds.