In a significant breakthrough, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Achimugu, a high-profile socialite, at Abuja airport. This development underscores the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to tracking down individuals wanted for financial crimes. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, this arrest sends a strong message that illicit activities will not be tolerated. With this high-profile arrest, the EFCC demonstrates its determination to uphold justice and protect Nigeria’s economy.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended businesswoman Aisha Achimugu on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Sources indicate the arrest occurred around 5 am, shortly after her arrival on a flight from London. Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March following allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

A day prior to her arrest, on Monday, Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order for Aisha Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The court had also scheduled her appearance before it for Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Confirming the arrest, Aisha Achimugu’s lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, stated in a message to our correspondent, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.” Chief Ojukwu further criticized the EFCC’s action, labeling it a violation of a subsisting court order.

“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,” he stated

Adding to the developments, Chief Ojukwu disclosed that Aisha Achimugu has initiated a hunger strike to protest what he described as a violation of her fundamental rights. “She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu asserted.

A highly placed source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, corroborated the arrest to our correspondent. The source stated, “We had earlier declared her wanted, and we cannot allow her to continue to walk freely. Secondly, the court mandated her appearance before us today. We were not barred from making the arrest; the court’s directive was that upon her arrival, she should not be detained.”

The source further elaborated on the agency’s rationale, saying, “How could we be certain she would voluntarily appear before us today? Now that we have her in custody, we can ensure her court appearance.”

The unfolding events surrounding Aisha Achimugu’s arrest underscore the complexities inherent in the pursuit of justice, particularly when legal directives and the enforcement actions of investigative bodies appear to diverge.

While the EFCC maintains its duty to apprehend individuals declared wanted, the timing of the arrest, immediately following a court order for her appearance, and the subsequent claims of rights violations and a hunger strike, raise significant questions about due process and the interpretation of judicial instructions.

This case serves as a potent reminder of the delicate balance required between ensuring accountability and upholding fundamental rights within our legal framework. As the situation develops, with Achimugu expected in court tomorrow, April 30th, 2025, the legal community and the public will be keenly watching to see how these conflicting perspectives are reconciled.

The outcome will not only determine the course of this particular case but will also have broader implications for the relationship between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, and the extent to which the rights of individuals facing legal scrutiny are protected throughout the process.