Fresh EFCC Drama: Aisha Achimugu Claims Her Life Is At Risk, Alleges Rights Abuse

Businesswoman and investor Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of subjecting her to what she described as a prolonged campaign of harassment, alleging repeated violations of her constitutional rights, disregard for court orders and actions she claims have endangered her life, family and business interests.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement, Achimugu said she decided to address the media after nearly two years of what she characterised as intimidation, oppression and a sustained effort to damage her reputation and that of her companies.

“I am compelled to speak publicly because of what I consider a sustained campaign of calumny that threatens not only my rights to life and property but also the safety of my children, elderly parents, extended family, employees and the broader investment climate in Nigeria,” she said.

Achimugu alleged that the EFCC wrongly linked her to MBA Forex and Capital Investment, leading to the freezing of both her personal and corporate bank accounts in 2023.

According to her, her legal team later established that one of her companies had only carried out a single transaction with the firm and subsequently refunded ₦58 million into the EFCC’s recovery account, a development she claimed resolved her company’s involvement in the investigation.

She further alleged that despite maintaining communication with the commission through her lawyers regarding invitations for questioning, the EFCC declared her wanted in March 2025.

Achimugu claimed the declaration came just hours after her company, Oceangate Oil & Gas Limited, submitted documentation showing a $20 million payment to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the acquisition of two oil blocks.

The entrepreneur also alleged that EFCC operatives later searched her residence, seized valuables and cash, and arrested her upon her return to Nigeria in April 2025 despite what she said was an existing court order.

She further claimed that although she was granted bail within 24 hours by a court, she remained in detention for an additional five days after fulfilling her bail conditions.

Achimugu also accused the anti-graft agency of freezing accounts belonging to her businesses, obtaining forfeiture orders over some of her assets, confiscating vehicles from her residence and filing additional court actions while related cases were still pending before other courts.

According to her, the commission’s actions have had a severe impact on her businesses, investments and international reputation.

She said she has invested close to $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry over the past five years, attracted more than $100 million in foreign direct investment into the country and currently provides employment for nearly 200 Nigerians.

Achimugu added that her foundation has implemented several projects in healthcare, education and community development across the country.

She also alleged that the controversy had international consequences, claiming it contributed to the revocation of her United States visa and affected her ability to travel using her Grenadian passport.

Calling for intervention, the businesswoman appealed to the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, human rights organisations and the international community, arguing that legitimate investors should not be subjected to what she described as unlawful treatment.

“I am prepared to face the law as long as due process is respected. My legal team is pursuing every available remedy, both within Nigeria and internationally,” she said.

She also urged the media and the international business community to support efforts aimed at promoting a fair investment climate in Nigeria and to avoid the spread of what she described as defamatory information capable of harming the country’s economy.

In her closing remarks, Achimugu alleged that her personal safety and that of her family were under threat.

“My life is in danger. My privacy has been violated, while the safety of my children and the wellbeing of my elderly parents have been placed at risk,” she stated.

The EFCC has not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in Achimugu’s statement.