A Nigerian business executive, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, through her legal representatives, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of her readiness to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing investigation, as detailed in her court filings.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, conveyed this to Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings on a fundamental rights enforcement suit Achimugu filed against several security agencies. The respondents include the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), the EFCC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
This development follows a public notice issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, which declared Achimugu wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.
The EFCC’s investigation includes allegations of obtaining money under false pretences, corruption, and ownership of suspected illicit properties. The matter is said to involve MBA Trading and Capital Limited and other related entities.
In a previous ruling on Achimugu’s suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025), the court directed the EFCC and the other respondents to respond to her application seeking to prevent her arrest and detention.
Court Proceedings
At Monday’s sitting, Ogunwumiju explained that the hearing was adjourned to enable the respondents to show cause as to why the interim reliefs being sought should not be granted.
He told the court that his client had only received the counter-affidavits and applications for time extension from the respondents late on Friday.
Ogunwumiju stressed that Achimugu had already pledged in her affidavit to appear before the EFCC on 29 April 2025, contrary to claims made by the Commission, and was fully prepared to cooperate with its investigation.
He argued that, as she was currently on administrative bail, the court should permit her to remain under the same conditions and urged the court to restrain any further harassment.
EFCC counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, countered that a similar application had previously been dismissed in February 2025 and alleged that Achimugu had breached her bail conditions by failing to honour EFCC invitations.
Justice Ekwo noted that the key issue was whether the respondents had adequately shown cause against the interim reliefs. He stated that if Achimugu had indeed committed to appearing before the EFCC, there should be no dispute.
Court’s Ruling
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo observed that the EFCC’s filings confirmed that Achimugu remained under investigation and had previously been granted administrative bail, which the Commission argued had been violated.
“The EFCC requires the applicant to appear before them to assist in the investigation, which is their constitutional obligation. I also see the applicant (Aisha Achimugu) expressing willingness to appear, and therefore, I find no controversy considering the applicant’s averment. None should be created,” he stated.
Justice Ekwo then ordered Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC on 29 April 2025, as she affirmed in paragraph 61 of her affidavit.
He further instructed the EFCC to file a compliance report with the court on 30 April 2025.
Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a consortium with interests in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.