Abuja – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested embattled businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after she arrived from London early Tuesday morning.
EFCC operatives apprehended her around 5 a.m., citing an outstanding arrest warrant tied to allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Achimugu had been declared wanted by the agency in March.
“She returned voluntarily based on a court undertaking to honour EFCC’s invitation, yet was picked up at the airport,” said her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who described the arrest as a violation of her fundamental rights.
Ojukwu added that Achimugu has since begun a hunger strike in protest, calling it “a stand for justice” and describing her as “a prisoner of conscience.”
Despite a Federal High Court order issued on Monday instructing her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and in court on Wednesday, her legal team insists the arrest breached agreed legal protocols.
However, an EFCC official defended the arrest, stressing that the agency acted within its mandate.
“We declared her wanted. The court said she must appear, not that we can’t arrest her,” the official said.
The EFCC is expected to present Achimugu in court on Wednesday in compliance with the court’s directive.
