EFCC Denies Political Links in Aisha Achimugu Probe, Insists Case Purely Criminal

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that its investigation into businesswoman Aisha Achimugu is politically motivated, clarifying that the case has no ties to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement released Friday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale refuted media reports suggesting that the probe was influenced by political interests.

“The EFCC wishes to clarify that its investigation of Ms. Aisha Achimugu has no connection whatsoever with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” the commission stated.

“She is being probed for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has been declared wanted by the EFCC.”

The agency’s response comes amid speculation linking the high-profile case to political figures. Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC operates independently, focusing solely on financial crimes rather than political vendettas.

Achimugu, a 51-year-old from Kogi State’s Ofu Local Government Area, has been under EFCC scrutiny since 2022.

She had previously obtained a court injunction to block her arrest, but on February 19, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja overturned the order, allowing the investigation to proceed.

The court also upheld an interim forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing Achimugu’s legal objections as baseless.

“The ruling confirms that no court can legally restrain the EFCC, police, or any law enforcement agency from conducting investigations where credible evidence exists,” Oyewale stated.

He reiterated that the case against Achimugu is strictly about financial misconduct, not political retaliation.

“The EFCC is an impartial institution,” he said. “Our work is evidence-driven, and we urge the public to disregard unfounded political interpretations.”

The statement follows recurring accusations of selective prosecution in Nigeria’s polarized political climate. However, the EFCC maintains that its operations are guided by professionalism and legal protocols.

Achimugu’s case is among several high-profile anti-corruption investigations pursued by the EFCC in recent months. While critics have questioned the commission’s neutrality, the agency insists it remains unaffected by political pressures.

The EFCC called for public support in its anti-graft efforts, warning against misinformation that could hinder its mandate. As the Achimugu case progresses, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to due process and rule of law.