Prominent Nigerian businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has commenced a hunger strike while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), her legal team announced Tuesday.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who is leading Achimugu’s legal defense, confirmed that his client was arrested at around 5 a.m. by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, shortly after her return from London.
The EFCC had earlier declared Achimugu wanted in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The development follows a ruling on Monday by Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which directed Achimugu to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and also appear in court on Wednesday. Ojukwu said the arrest defied the spirit of the court’s directive, as Achimugu had returned voluntarily to cooperate with the investigation.
“In line with the understanding before the court, our client flew back into the country to honour the EFCC’s invitation. Her arrest at the airport runs contrary to that agreement and the rule of law,” the statement said.
Ojukwu described her as a “prisoner of conscience,” insisting that her ongoing hunger strike is a protest against what he called unjust treatment.
Efforts by journalists to obtain a response from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a business conglomerate with interests in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.
The case has sparked public interest due to her high profile and the sensitive nature of the charges.
