The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Aisha Achimugu, a Nigerian businesswoman at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Achimugu was taken into custody around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, shortly after arriving from London.
Her arrest comes weeks after the EFCC declared her wanted in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The arrest occurred just a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by I.E. Ekwo, (Justice) ordered Achimugu to present herself to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30.
Her lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed the arrest, describing it as a breach of court directives and a violation of her rights.
“My client returned voluntarily to Nigeria in compliance with the court’s directive and an undertaking to honour the EFCC’s invitation. It is unfortunate that despite this, she was arrested at the airport”, Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu further revealed that Achimugu had embarked on a hunger strike in protest, referring to her as a “prisoner of conscience.”
As of press time, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding her arrest. Achimugu is to appear before the Federal High Court on Wednesday.
