Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed the Asokoro, Abuja residence of embattled businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, just hours after declaring her wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The EFCC operatives, who arrived at the upscale residence at around 9 p.m. on Friday, conducted a thorough search but did not find Ms. Achimugu at home. Instead, her aged mother, children, and domestic staff were present during the operation.
Earlier on Friday, the EFCC had issued an official gazette declaring Aisha Achimugu wanted and called on anyone with useful information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Commission through its offices across the country or via phone and email.
The public notice included a photograph of the suspect, her state of origin—Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State—and her last known address at 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja.
Sources revealed that the anti-graft agency obtained a court warrant to declare Ms. Achimugu wanted after she fled Nigeria, evading an EFCC probe. She reportedly ignored an invitation for interrogation scheduled for March 5, 2025, choosing instead to leave the country.
The invitation letter, dated March 4 and signed by Adebayo Adeniyi, the EFCC’s acting zonal director in Port Harcourt, indicated that the Commission required clarification from Ms. Achimugu on an ongoing investigation. Despite media denials from her aide, David Abakpa, claiming that she was neither arrested nor investigated, the EFCC confirmed that her flight from justice prompted the agency’s actions.
The EFCC clarified that it commenced investigations into Ms. Achimugu’s financial dealings as far back as 2022. Although she had previously secured a court injunction restraining the agency from arresting or detaining her, the Federal High Court in Abuja vacated the injunction on February 19, 2025, affirming that no court has the power to impede legitimate investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Contrary to speculations linking the case to political figures, the EFCC categorically denied any involvement of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Commission reiterated that its probe into Ms. Achimugu is purely based on alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering, devoid of any political undertones.
The EFCC reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism and neutrality in its operations, urging citizens to disregard rumors linking the investigation to political agendas.
