The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims suggesting that its investigation of Abuja-based businesswoman and socialite, Ms Aisha Achimugu, is connected to prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stressed that the commission’s probe is strictly focused on alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering, and not politically motivated.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to react to media reports linking its investigation of Ms Aisha Achimugu with political undercurrents involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Oyewale stated.
“We wish to state clearly that the investigations of Achimugu have no connection whatsoever with the two political figures. She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared wanted by the Commission,” he added.
The anti-graft agency declared Achimugu wanted earlier this month in connection with an alleged case of money laundering and criminal conspiracy. Her name trended online after she reportedly shut down both Grenada and Abuja for her lavish 50th birthday celebration.
According to Oyewale, the investigation into Achimugu’s activities began in 2022 but was initially stalled after she obtained a court order restraining the EFCC from arresting or probing her.
“The EFCC commenced investigation of Achimugu in 2022. She approached the court and secured an injunction preventing the commission from arresting, investigating, inviting, or detaining her for any alleged criminal act,” he explained.
However, Oyewale revealed that the court recently lifted the injunction, allowing the anti-corruption agency to continue its investigation.
“On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja vacated the injunction. The court also upheld the interim forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime and dismissed Achimugu’s legal challenge, describing it as lacking merit,” he said.
The EFCC spokesman urged Nigerians to refrain from linking the investigation to politics, assuring that the commission remains committed to professionalism and due process.
“We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its work,” Oyewale advised.
Achimugu has been in the public eye, not only for the EFCC probe but also for her extravagant lifestyle. Her 50th birthday bash, which spanned from the Caribbean Island of Grenada to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, stirred controversy and public reactions.
The EFCC has continued to intensify efforts to clamp down on financial crimes, and this latest case has once again put money laundering and asset forfeiture in the spotlight.
