Nigerian Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu Accuses EFCC of Harassment, Seeks Protection of Rights
Nigerian businesswoman and investor, Aisha Achimugu (OFR), has called for the protection of her life, family, businesses and investments, alleging that she has been subjected to a prolonged campaign of intimidation, media trial and property seizure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Achimugu, in a statement released to the media, demanded respect for court orders, protection of her privacy and an end to what she described as defamatory reports against her person and companies.
The entrepreneur, who is the widow of former Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) Managing Director, Engr. Sulaiman Achimugu, said she had spent decades building businesses, creating jobs and contributing to Nigeria’s economy.

She alleged that EFCC actions against her began in 2023 when the agency froze her personal and corporate bank accounts over claims linking her to MBA Forex and Capital Investment, a company previously declared by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Ponzi scheme.
According to her, she had no ownership or partnership relationship with MBA Forex, adding that her company only carried out a single transaction with the firm and later refunded N58 million to the EFCC recovery account to clarify its involvement.

Achimugu further alleged that the situation escalated in March 2025 when she was declared wanted by the EFCC over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering, despite what she described as ongoing communication with the agency through her lawyers.
She claimed that shortly after the declaration, EFCC operatives invaded her residence, seized personal belongings and caused distress to her family.

The businesswoman also alleged that she was detained by EFCC officials upon her return to Nigeria in April 2025, despite a pending court process, and that her release after being granted bail was delayed.
She accused the commission of continuing to freeze her accounts and seize assets linked to her and her businesses, saying the actions had negatively affected her investments, international relationships and reputation.
Achimugu said she had invested about $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in the last five years and attracted more than $100 million in investments into the country.

She also highlighted the activities of her foundation, saying it had supported healthcare programmes, education, community projects and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.
The businesswoman alleged that EFCC’s actions had also affected her international travel opportunities, claiming that her visa status was impacted following her declaration as wanted.
She maintained that she was not a criminal and had never been convicted of any offence,

stressing that she was willing to face any legal process provided due process was followed.
Achimugu appealed to the National Assembly, judiciary, security agencies, human rights organisations and the international community to intervene, insisting that legitimate investors and law-abiding citizens should not be subjected to unlawful treatment.
She concluded by stating that her life, the safety of her children, the wellbeing of her parents, her businesses and her global reputation were under threat.

The EFCC has not yet issued a public response to the allegations contained in Achimugu’s statement.