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  • Alleged N8.7b deal: EFCC, Achimugu back in court Friday

    Alleged N8.7b deal: EFCC, Achimugu back in court Friday

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, produced before a Federal High Court in Abuja a businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, whom it earlier declared wanted for allegedly failing to honour invitation for her probe over alleged money laundering activities.

    Achimugu’s prosecution in court was in obedience to an order issued on Monday by the court, directing Achimugu to honour EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, and for the Commission to produce her in court yesterday and report on developments.

    The businesswoman, who was said to have been arrested early on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while arriving from London, was brought to court by operatives of the EFCC around 11am.

    Shortly after the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Achimugu was calle, Justice Inyang Ekwo demanded to see lawyers to parties in the suit in his chambers.

    Justice Ekwo proceeded to suspend further proceedings.

    READ ALSO: CBEX tragedy

    It was not clear what transpired in the judge’s chambers, but at the resumption, Achimugu’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) told the court that an affidavit of fact was filed before the court started sitting.

    Lawyer to the EFCC, Elele Iheanacho (SAN) said he would not oppose the application, but with the exception of the content of paragraph nine of the new affidavit filed by Achimugu.

    In view of Iheanacho’s indication to object to paragraph nine of the affidavit, Achimugu’s lawyer subsequently applied to withdraw the paragraph in which she had prayed the court to verify the conditions attached to the administrative bail which the EFCC promised her.

    Justice Ekwo then reminded lawyers to parties that the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the EFCC to report developments after the order was made on Monday.

    The judge said: “It is absolutely noted that in the process of hearing the application of this nature, the court can make an order for bail in lieu of the reliefs sought when the process is yet to be heard.”

    Justice Ekwo noted that Ogunwumiju drew his attention to the affidavit of facts filed by Achimugu, claiming that the Commission was in the process of admitting Achimugu to conditional bail.

    The Judge added: “Now, the court being faced with this will allow the 4th respondent (EFCC) to conclude the issue of granting the applicant bail and this court will fix the time.

    “Therefore, I am minded to make the following orders in support to ensure that the rights of the applicant are respected and the authority of the 4th respondent is not tarnished.

    “The 4th respondent is hereby ordered to facilitate the release of the applicant in line with the conditions stated in paragraph 6 of the affidavit of facts within 24 hours of this order.

    “I also make an order that parties, particularly the 4th respondent will report back to court in compliance with the order on 2nd May, 2025,” Justice Ekwo said.

    He then adjourned till May 2 for the EFCC to report on developments in the matter.

    The EFCC declared Achimugu wanted in March this year on allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    The anti-graft agency claimed, in an affidavit filed in court, that it was investigating Achimugu over her alleged complicity in a N8.17 billion oil deal.

  • Alleged N8.7b deal: EFCC presents businesswoman Achimugu before court

    Alleged N8.7b deal: EFCC presents businesswoman Achimugu before court

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday produced before a Federal High Court in Abuja a businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, whom it earlier declared wanted for allegedly failing to honour an invitation for her probe over alleged money laundering activities.

    Achimugu’s prosecution in court on Wednesday was in obedience to an order issued on Monday by the court, directing Achimugu to honour EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, and for the commission to produce her in court on Wednesday and report on developments.

    The businesswoman, who was said to have been arrested early on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while arriving from London, was brought to court by operatives of the EFCC around 11 am on Wednesday.

    Shortly after the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Achimugu was called on Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo demanded to see the lawyers of the parties in the suit in his chambers.

    Justice Ekwo proceeded to suspend further proceedings. It was not clear what transpired in the judge’s chambers, but at the resumption, Achimugu’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) told the court that an affidavit of fact was filed before the court started sitting.

    Lawyer to the EFCC, Elele Iheanacho (SAN) said he would not oppose the application, but with the exception of the contented of paragraph nine of the new affidavit filed by Achimugu.

    In view of Iheanacho’s indication to object to paragraph 9 of the affidavit, Achimugu’s lawyer subsequently applied to withdraw the paragraphbin which she had prayed the court to very the conditions attached to the adminstrative bail which the EFCC promised her.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo then reminded lawyers to parties that the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the EFCC to report developments after the order made on Monday.

    The judge said: “It is absolutely noted that, in the process of hearing the application of this nature, the court can make an order for bail in lieu of the reliefs sought when the process is yet to be heard.”

    Justice Ekwo noted that Ogunwumiju drew his attention to the affidavit of facts filed by Achimugu, claiming that the commission was in the process of admitting Achimugu to conditional bail.

    The judge added: “Now, the court being faced with this will allow the 4th respondent (EFCC) to conclude the issue of granting the applicant bail, and this court will fix the time.

    “Therefore, I am minded to make the following orders in support to ensure that the rights of the applicant is respected and the authority of the 4th respondent is not tarnished.

    “The 4th respondent is hereby ordered to facilitate the release of the applicant in line with the conditions stated in paragraph 6 of the affidavit of facts within 24 hours of this order.

    “I also make an order that parties, particularly the 4th respondent, will report back to court in compliance with the order on 2nd May, 2025,” Justice Ekwo said.

    He then adjourned till May 2 for the EFCC to report on developments in the matter.

    The EFCC declared Achimugu wanted in March this year on allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    The anti-graft agency claimed, in an affidavit filed in court, that it was investigating Achimugu over her alleged complicity in a N8.17billion oil deal.

    The EFCC, in the affidavit deposed to by one of its officials, Chris Odofin, said Achimugu was under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of property reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

    It claimed that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks, both in her personal and corporate names.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court orders EFCC to release Achimugu within 24 hours

    The EFCC states that Achimugu, in her statement, said the inflow of N8.71 billion into her corporate bank accounts was an “investment fund” for the acquisition of an oil block.

    It added that she said the cash was transferred to the Federal Government’s account through one of her companies – Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited – referencing documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    EFCC claimed that its investigation revealed that Achimugu’s company actually acquired two oil blocks – Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO at the cost of $25.3 million.

    It, however, claimed that the payments were allegedly made through bureau de change operators, adding that it was looking at clues on the likely suspicious sources of the funds

    The EFCC equally alleged that the acquisition of the oil blocks was not transparent enough.

  • BREAKING: Court orders EFCC to release Achimugu within 24 hours

    BREAKING: Court orders EFCC to release Achimugu within 24 hours

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours.

    In a brief ruling on Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo directed all parties, particularly the EFCC, to return to court on May 2, 2025, to report compliance with the order.

    The Nation had earlier reported that Justice Ekwo, on Monday, directed Achimugu to submit herself to the EFCC over an ongoing investigation involving alleged money laundering and related offences.

    Read Also: EFCC presents Aisha Achimugu in court

    Justice Ekwo further ruled that following her appearance at the EFCC office, the agency must bring her before the court on Wednesday, April 30, to provide an update.

    Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Details shortly…

  • Achimugu declares hunger strike in EFCC custody

    Achimugu declares hunger strike in EFCC custody

    Prominent Business Executive and Socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has declared “hunger strike” in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody following her arrest by operatives of the commission.

    A statement by the legal team of Achimugu, led by Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, on Tuesday in Abuja said that their client was arrested at about 5 a.m., at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the EFCC had in March declared Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    NAN also recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had on Monday ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, and to also, appear before the court on Wednesday.

    Ojukwu said that their client had arrived voluntarily from London to honour the EFCC invitation before her arrest by operatives of the commission.

    He said that the socialite had through her lawyer informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday that she would visit the EFCC on Tuesday.

    He explained that the planned visit was in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering brought against her.

    ”In the light of what transpired in court on Monday, our client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honor the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.

    Read Also: Alleged N8b deal: EFCC confirms arrest of Aisha Achimugu

    ”She has immediately gone on a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience and our stand in the arrest is that it has run contrary to the rule of law,” he said.

    NAN reports that efforts to reach out to the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale on the arrest of Achimugu proved abortive as the phone rang severally without picking.

    Ojukwu said that Achimugu was a well-known business magnate and the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a consortium comprising several companies in engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology. (NAN)

  • JUST IN: EFCC arrests wanted Achimugu at Abuja airport

    JUST IN: EFCC arrests wanted Achimugu at Abuja airport

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

    According to a statement by her legal team on Tuesday, Achimugu was taken into custody at around 5am shortly after voluntarily arriving in Nigeria from London.

    The arrest came less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to present herself before the EFCC on Tuesday. 

    Read Also: Achimugu’s probe has nothing to do with Atiku, Sanwoolu, says EFCC

    The court also directed the anti-graft agency to produce her in court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

    At the time of filing this report, EFCC’s spokesperson had not responded to requests for official comments.

    Reacting to the development, Achimugu’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), criticised the arrest, noting that his client willingly returned to the country.

    “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily from London, was arrested by the EFCC. She has immediately commenced a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu stated.

  • Achimugu’s probe has nothing to do with Atiku, Sanwoolu, says EFCC

    Achimugu’s probe has nothing to do with Atiku, Sanwoolu, says EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the ongoing probe of a billionaire, Ms Aisha Achimugu has nothing to do with ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwoolu. 

    It also said her investigation has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction. 

    It restated that Aisha Achimugu is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    It said the investigation started in 2022 before the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power.

    The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale. 

    The statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), wishes to react to media reports linking its investigations of Ms. Aisha Achimugu with political undercurrents involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

    “We wish to state unequivocally that the investigations of Achimugu have no correlation of any kind with the two political actors. 

    “She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared wanted by the commission.”

    The EFCC said the investigation started in 2022 before the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power

    “The EFCC commenced investigation of Achimugu in 2022 and though she approached the court to obtain an injunction restraining the Commission from arresting, investigating, inviting or detaining her for any alleged criminal act,  the injunction was challenged and vacated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    Read Also: EFCC declares socialite Aisha Achimugu wanted for alleged money laundering

       “The court ruled that “…no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police or EFCC or any agency established under our laws to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion of commission of a crime or ample evidence of commission of an offence by a suspect”.

    “The court further upheld the interim order of forfeiture of assets of Achimugu suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing her suit against it as lacking  merit,” it added.

    It said her investigation was not political in any manner. 

     It said: “The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.  

     “The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian.  We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works.”

  • What to know about wanted socialite Achimugu

    What to know about wanted socialite Achimugu

    The 50th birthday party of Abuja-based businesswoman, Aisha Adole Achimugu, which held in the Caribbean Island of Grenada in 2024 is one that would not be forgotten in a hurry. It was talk-of-the-town, setting many tongues wagging. 

    Prominent figures, including a Governor and some of the crème de la crème of the Nigerian entertainment industry, were in attendance.

    Aisha turned 50 on January 22, 2024.

    She is the Managing Director/CEO of Felak Concept Group.

    Her company is into consultancy services related to health, equipment procurement, training and capacity building. 

    She’s also a Director in Altex Engineering Oil & Gas Limited and had also made her mark in maritime and transportation engineering.

    Aisha is at the forefront of the initiative for the actualization and development of a Deep Sea Port in South-South, Nigeria. 

    She is the first female Consultant/Transaction Advisor on the development of a Deep-Sea Port through one of her high profile companies; “Felak Concept Limited”.

    Aisha was born on the 22nd  January 1974 to Capt. J.E. A & Mrs. Adole (Rtd.) and from a very humble beginning. She attended Federal Government Girls Science School, Kuje, Abuja.

    She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Jos.

    She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Commonwealth University, Belize. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: EFCC declares businesswoman Achimugu wanted

    Aisha got married to Sulaiman Akao Achimugu and they have three children.

    However, her husband passed away in 2020. Sulaiman was said to have died from COVID-19 complications.

    To celebrate her golden jubilee in 2024, the socialite went all out for a seven-day event. It had in attendance many big wigs. It was held from January 16th-23rd.

    The festivities commenced on 16 January with the arrival of guests. The following day, the event started with a welcome breakfast, exploring the resort and mingling. Day three featured activities such as kayaking, swimming, and treasure hunting.

    The event featured numerous festivities which saw guests alternate between Calivigny Island and Silversand.

    According to reports, Achimugu spent nearly $1 million (more than a N1 billion) to rent the island for an entire week.

    The cost of a night at the Silversands Resort begins from the sum of $1,060 (N1,378,000) per person.

    Calvigny Island, on the other hand, costs about $30,000 (over N39 million) per night — for the entire island. 

    The prices for the private island can also vary from $30,000 – $165,000 per night — depending on the time of year.

    She also created a website — ‘aishaachimugu50th.com‘ — specifically for the birthday celebration. 

    Checks by The Nation shows the website contains details about visa arrangements, standby chauffeurs, travel itineraries, and the closest airport to the event location, among others.

    Also, Aisha hosted another birthday party at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on January 26, 2024. She also held a dinner party at the International Conference Centre the following day (January 27).

    After the party, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) asked Achimugu to remember to file her annual tax returns.

    Responding to the lavish party in a statement on X, the FIRS said: “The FCT-Internal Revenue Service extends our warmest birthday wishes to you! May this special day be filled with joy and blessings. Remember to fulfill your tax obligations by filing your annual tax returns.”

    On Friday  March 28 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared her wanted.

    In a post on its social media pages on Friday, Dele Oyewale, the commission’s spokesperson, said: “Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and her last known address is: 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja. 

  • Achimugu’s US Presidential lifetime achievement award excites Ocholi

    Achimugu’s US Presidential lifetime achievement award excites Ocholi

    The Secretary General Asiwaju Confluence Company Organisation (ACCO2023), Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi has felicitated Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Felak Concept Group, Dr. Aisha Suleiman Achimugu, on her  prestigious U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

     This recognition by the American President honours Dr. Achimugu’s exceptional contributions to industrial development and humanitarian efforts.

    In a statement, Dr. Ocholi highlighted the immense pride felt by the Northcentral  and the country, for Dr. Achimugu’s accomplishments.

     “Her dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. This award signifies the global impact of her work,” he said.

    Dr. Ocholi praised Dr. Achimugu  for her excellence in business and philanthropy.

     “Dr. Achimugu is a beacon of innovation and compassion. Her ability to balance business success with a deep sense of social responsibility has earned her admiration worldwide,” he noted.

    Receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington, D.C., Dr. Achimugu was celebrated for her decades of service to humanity. Her leadership at Felak Concept Group has seen the company expand into civil and structural engineering, environmental management, and more, driving Nigeria’s industrial growth.

    Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Achimugu’s philanthropy, particularly through her Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF), has transformed countless lives, focusing on education, poverty alleviation, and health. Notable efforts, such as the SEF Ramadan Soft Grant initiative, provided financial support to vulnerable families in Kogi State, enabling them to observe Ramadan with dignity.

    Ocholi noted that her foundation has also granted scholarships to underprivileged students across Nigeria, creating opportunities for future leaders. “Her philanthropy mirrors her belief in giving back, and her commitment to uplifting communities has earned her numerous accolades,” he added.

    In 2023, Dr. Achimugu was named Philanthropist of the Year by Champion Newspapers and received Nigeria’s National Honor of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) from President Muhammadu Buhari for her contributions to national development. “Her life is a testament to the principle that true fulfillment comes from helping those who cannot repay you,” Ocholi remarked.

    Reflecting on the significance of the U.S. Presidential Award, Dr. Ocholi emphasized how such international recognition shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s potential and contributions to global progress.

    Achimugu expressed deep gratitude and renewed her commitment to serving humanity.

     “This award is not just a reflection of my past, but a call to continue making a lasting impact both at home and abroad,” she said.

    One of her social media followers echoed the sentiments of many, stating: “This award is a recognition of her past achievements and a call for continued positive change.

    Dr. Achimugu’s influence stretches beyond Nigeria, inspiring women leaders across Africa and the world.”