Prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has reportedly embarked on a hunger strike while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following her arrest by operatives of the anti-graft agency.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that Achimugu was arrested around 5 a.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon her arrival from London.
The EFCC had in March 2025 declared Achimugu wanted over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy and money laundering. On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday.
According to Ojukwu, Achimugu had voluntarily returned to Nigeria to comply with the court’s directive and had already informed the Federal High Court of her intention to honour the EFCC’s invitation. However, she was arrested immediately upon landing in Abuja.
“In light of Monday’s court proceedings, our client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation. Unfortunately, she was arrested at the airport,” Ojukwu said. “She has since declared a hunger strike. We consider her a prisoner of conscience, and her arrest is in violation of the rule of law.”
Efforts by journalists to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for a response were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a conglomerate with interests in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.