Prominent business executive and socialite Aisha Achimugu has declared a hunger strike while in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters after her dramatic arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport early Tuesday morning.
The high-profile arrest occurred around 5:00 a.m. as Achimugu, Group Managing Director of Felak Concept Group, returned from London to honor an EFCC invitation regarding ongoing money laundering investigations. Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chikaosolu Ojukwu, has condemned the arrest as a violation of due process.
“This morning’s arrest directly contradicts the understanding reached in court yesterday,” Ojukwu stated. “Our client voluntarily returned to Nigeria to cooperate with investigators as promised before Justice I.E. Ekwo at the Federal High Court. Instead of honoring this good faith effort, EFCC operatives ambushed her at the airport.”
The businesswoman’s detention follows a March declaration by the EFCC naming her as wanted for alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering activities. Justice Ekwo had on Monday ordered Achimugu to appear before both the EFCC on Tuesday and the court on Wednesday.
In a dramatic turn, Achimugu has now refused all meals in protest of her arrest. “She has declared herself a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu revealed. “This heavy-handed treatment of a cooperating citizen undermines the rule of law.”
The Felak Concept Group, which Achimugu leads, operates across multiple sectors including engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology. The high-profile nature of the case has drawn significant attention to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts. Legal analysts suggest the hunger strike may increase pressure on authorities to either formally charge Achimugu or release her pending trial.
The case continues to develop as Achimugu remains in custody, with her legal team preparing for Wednesday’s scheduled court appearance. Observers note the situation highlights ongoing tensions between Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies and business elites accused of financial crimes.
