Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu arrested by EFCC at Abuja airport despite court order; begins hunger strike to protest alleged rights violation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested prominent businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, shortly after her return from London.

Also read: EFCC intensifies crackdown on Aisha Achimugu following wanted declaration

The arrest occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, despite a court order that she should not be detained if she voluntarily presented herself.

Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March 2025 in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

On Monday, Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja directed her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and in court on Wednesday, April 30.

Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, expressed outrage at the arrest, describing it as a breach of the court’s directive.

In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.” — Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu

“In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport,” Ojukwu stated.

He also confirmed that Achimugu has begun a hunger strike to protest her detention, calling her “a prisoner of conscience.”

An EFCC source defended the arrest, asserting that the commission acted within its mandate.

“We were not restricted from arresting her; what the court said was if she comes, she should not be detained. How are you sure she would appear before us today?” the source said.