Businesswoman detained at Abuja airport after London return
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested prominent socialite Aisha Achimugu over alleged money laundering involving N8.71 billion in suspicious oil block transactions. Operatives detained the businesswoman at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 5 am Tuesday upon her arrival from London.
Case Background
The EFCC had declared Achimugu wanted in March for:
- Criminal conspiracy
- Money laundering
- Obtaining funds by false pretenses
- Possession of suspected illicit assets
Her arrest follows Monday’s Federal High Court order by Justice Inyang Ekwo compelling her to appear before both the EFCC and court this week.
Controversial Oil Deal
Court documents reveal Achimugu claimed the N8.71 billion traced to her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, represented “investment funds” for acquiring:
- Shallow Water PPL 3007
- Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO oil blocks
However, EFCC investigator Chris Odofin’s affidavit alleges:
✔ Payments made via untraceable bureau de change transactions
✔ No legitimate business income sourcing the $25.3 million purchase
✔ Zero exploration activity years after acquisition
Legal Battle Escalates
Achimugu’s lawyer Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) denounced the arrest as “a violation of court orders,” revealing his client has begun a hunger strike.
“She returned voluntarily based on court undertakings but was ambushed at dawn,” Ojukwu stated, calling her “a prisoner of conscience.”
The EFCC maintains Achimugu had earlier jumped administrative bail after initial February 2024 questioning, prompting her declaration as wanted.
Next Steps
The businesswoman is expected to appear before Justice Ekwo on Wednesday as the anti-graft agency pushes forward with its financial crimes case.
