The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court-issued arrest warrant against businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, paving the way for her to be declared wanted for alleged money laundering and an investment scam, PREMIUM TIMES has reported.
Sources in the anti-graft agency informed the online newspaper that a warrant for Mr Achimugu’s arrest was obtained after she failed to honour the EFCC’s invitation earlier this month.
Achimugu, a known associate of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reportedly fled Nigeria after being summoned to meet EFCC investigators on March 5. Sources close to the anti-graft agency revealed that she escaped from the country between March 6 and 7.
Top EFCC officials, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to address the media, confirmed the development on Sunday. “Achimugu would soon be declared wanted by the commission,” an EFCC source disclosed, emphasising that her departure was a breach of trust extended to her to cooperate with the investigation.
Last week, David Abakpa, identifying himself as Achimugu’s aide, launched a media campaign to counter speculations about her alleged arrest by the EFCC. In a widely circulated statement, Abakpa denied reports that the socialite had been detained.
“It is a lie sponsored by enemies! Aisha Achimugu is never arrested or detained by the EFCC. Anyone can confirm from the commission,” Abakpa stated, urging the public to disregard what he called “fake news.”
Abakpa acknowledged that Achimugu had indeed left the country but insisted that the reports of her arrest were fabricated by “unscrupulous elements.” He maintained that the EFCC, as a reputable organisation, had no involvement in such claims.
Achimugu, founder and managing director of the Abuja-based Felak Concept Group, has faced public scrutiny in the past. In 2015, she hosted a seven-day celebration for her 50th birthday in Grenada, an event that drew criticism for its extravagance. High-profile guests, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, attended the celebrations.
Responding to backlash at the time, Mrs. Achimugu said “I really don’t give a hoot. I’m doing me; I’ve always done me, a happy soul, doing what makes me happy.”
QEDNG recalls that her husband, Sulaiman Achimugu, a former managing director of the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), died in 2020 due to complications from coronavirus.
The EFCC in 2018 named Achimugu in a case of funds diversion and money laundering levelled against Senate president and former governor of Akwa Ibom State Godswill Akpabio State.
Achimugu was said to be among the former governor’s agents who were “acting as fronts for him.”
