High-Profile Businesswoman Detained After Voluntary Return from London
Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a prominent Nigerian business executive and socialite, was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, early Tuesday morning. Her legal team confirmed that the arrest occurred around 5 a.m., shortly after Achimugu voluntarily returned to Nigeria from London, in compliance with a Federal High Court order12568.
Court-Ordered Appearance and Legal Dispute
The arrest follows a directive from Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on April 29, 2025, to address allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The court also mandated her presence at a subsequent hearing on April 30, 2025124568.
Achimugu’s legal representatives, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chikaosolu Ojukwu, argue that the arrest contravenes the spirit of the court’s undertaking. According to Ojukwu, Achimugu had notified the court of her intention to cooperate with the EFCC and voluntarily returned to fulfill this obligation. “She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu stated, revealing that Achimugu has commenced a hunger strike in protest of what her team describes as a breach of her fundamental rights6810.
Background: EFCC Investigation and Legal Maneuvers
The EFCC had previously declared Achimugu wanted in March 2025, citing allegations linked to money laundering and criminal conspiracy, reportedly involving the controversial MBA Trading and Capital Limited scheme. In response, Achimugu filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against multiple security agencies, seeking to restrain them from arresting or detaining her.
EFCC officials have yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the arrest or whether Achimugu will be detained beyond the scheduled court dates. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Achimugu’s status as Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a conglomerate with interests in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and IT sectors123568.
“She is a prisoner of conscience.”
Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, legal counsel to Aisha Achimugu
Analytical Perspective
The arrest of Aisha Achimugu underscores ongoing tensions between Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies and high-profile business figures. While the EFCC maintains its mandate to curb financial crimes, the legal dispute over due process and the rights of accused persons is likely to fuel further debate in legal and business circles. Observers await the EFCC’s official response and the outcome of the court proceedings, which could set important precedents for future high-profile investigations in Nigeria.
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