Prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly after her voluntary return to Nigeria from London, her legal team has confirmed.
Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, a member of Achimugu’s legal counsel, disclosed the development in a statement to Nairametrics on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu arrived in the early hours of April 29 to honor an EFCC invitation in line with court proceedings but was taken into custody at the airport around 5 a.m.
This arrest comes despite assurances given in court the previous day that she would cooperate fully with the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. According to Ojukwu, the arrest violates the principle of the rule of law and disregards the undertaking made before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ojukwu further stated that his client has embarked on a hunger strike in protest of her detention, describing her as a “prisoner of conscience.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Achimugu was scheduled to appear at the Commission’s office on April 29, in accordance with court directives. When asked about the alleged arrest at the airport, Oyewale said a formal response would be issued in due course.
Achimugu’s legal team, which includes Senior Advocates Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, has filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the EFCC and five other security agencies: the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, seeks to restrain the agencies from arresting or detaining Achimugu without due process.
In a prior ruling on April 11, Justice Inyang Ekwo directed all named security agencies to respond to the suit. He acknowledged that Achimugu had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC but noted that the agency claimed the bail had expired due to her failure to report as required.
However, the judge recognized Achimugu’s expressed willingness to cooperate, stating, “I see the applicant expressing willingness to appear, and therefore, I find no controversy… None should be created.”
Justice Ekwo ordered that Achimugu present herself to the EFCC on April 29, 2025, and that the Commission report back to the court with her on April 30.
Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology. She is also known for her social influence and philanthropic activities.
As investigations continue, the case highlights growing scrutiny of financial dealings linked to Nigeria’s elite in the aftermath of the contentious 2023 general elections.