Prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has begun a “hunger strike” while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following her recent arrest.
According to a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Achimugu was apprehended by EFCC operatives around 5 a.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that in March, the EFCC declared Aisha Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also recalls that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, on Monday ordered Aisha Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday and subsequently appear before the court on Wednesday.
According to her lead counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Achimugu had voluntarily returned from London to honour the EFCC’s invitation before she was arrested by operatives of the commission. He noted that her legal team had formally informed the court on Monday of her intention to visit the EFCC the following day.
Ojukwu explained that the visit was part of her cooperation with an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
“In line with what transpired in court on Monday, our client returned to the country based on an undertaking to honour the EFCC’s invitation. However, she was arrested upon arrival at the airport,” he said.
He further stated that Achimugu immediately began a hunger strike following her arrest, describing her as a prisoner of conscience. “This arrest contradicts the rule of law,” he added.
NAN reports that attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments on the arrest were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Ojukwu described Achimugu as a renowned business magnate and the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.
