Arrested Businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, Begins Hunger Strike

Prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, who was arrested today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has begun hunger strike.

Achimugu was taken into custody around 5 am on Tuesday upon her arrival from London. 
A senior EFCC official confirmed, noting that Achimugu had been declared wanted in March for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Her lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), acknowledged the arrest but criticized the EFCC’s actions, claiming they violated a court order. 
Ojukwu stated that Achimugu had returned voluntarily to comply with an EFCC invitation following a court directive but was detained upon arrival.

He further revealed that she has begun a hunger strike in protest, calling her a “prisoner of conscience.” 

The arrest follows a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo, which ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The case stems from a lawsuit she filed against multiple security agencies, including the EFCC, challenging her investigation. 

EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho presented a counter-affidavit detailing allegations against Achimugu, including conspiracy, money laundering, and acquiring property through suspicious means.

The affidavit disclosed that she had previously been granted administrative bail in February 2024 but failed to report back, opting instead to file a rights enforcement suit.

Investigations revealed that Achimugu’s company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, received N8.71 billion purportedly for oil block acquisitions. However, EFCC findings indicated irregularities, including cash payments via bureau de change operators and unclear fund origins.

The agency also alleged corruption in the acquisition process, noting that the oil blocks remained inactive. 
The EFCC maintains that Achimugu’s lawsuit is an attempt to obstruct investigations, citing a prior court dismissal of her rights violation claims.

As of press time, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale had not officially commented on the arrest.

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