Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently raided the Asokoro residence of businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, just hours after the Commission issued an official notice declaring her wanted. The search, which took place around 9 p.m. on Friday, revealed that Achimugu was not present at her home. Instead, her elderly mother, children, and domestic staff were at the residence during the operation.
Earlier that same day, the EFCC had made a public announcement through an official gazette declaring Aisha Achimugu wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The notice included a photograph of the suspect and details about her state of origin—Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State—and her last known address at 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC also called on the public to assist in locating her by providing any relevant information.
Sources indicate that the EFCC’s decision to declare Achimugu wanted followed her failure to respond to an invitation for questioning. The businesswoman had reportedly fled the country ahead of a scheduled interview with the Commission on March 5, 2025. According to the EFCC, the invitation, which was signed by Adebayo Adeniyi, the agency’s acting zonal director in Port Harcourt, sought clarification on an ongoing investigation into her financial activities.
Despite denials from her aide, David Abakpa, who claimed that Achimugu was neither arrested nor investigated, the EFCC clarified that her decision to leave the country had prompted the declaration. The Commission confirmed that Achimugu had ignored their invitation and left Nigeria, which led to the official action against her.
The EFCC’s investigation into Achimugu’s financial dealings reportedly began in 2022. While she had initially obtained a court injunction preventing her arrest and detention, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on February 19, 2025, that such an injunction could not block legitimate investigations by law enforcement agencies. The court emphasized that no judicial body has the authority to hinder investigations by agencies like the EFCC when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
As rumors about possible political ties to the case began circulating, the EFCC took the opportunity to set the record straight. The Commission categorically denied any links between Achimugu’s investigation and political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The EFCC emphasized that the case was solely about alleged financial crimes, specifically criminal conspiracy and money laundering, with no political involvement.
The EFCC also reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism and neutrality in its operations. The Commission urged Nigerians to disregard any rumors or speculations that suggested political motivations behind the investigation. In its statement, the EFCC reaffirmed that it would continue to pursue investigations based on legal grounds and without any external influence.
