•President blasts Atiku, says his allegations baseless distractions
•No political motives in Achimugu case, EFCC insists
Business woman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, was yesterday declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, revealed this in a circular released on its X handle.
According to the circular, Achimugu is wanted by the agency in respect of alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The circular reads: “The public is hereby notified that Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
“Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and her last known address is 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja.
“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the commission at its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644, its email address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest police station or other security agencies.
The anti-graft agency had, in an earlier letter, summoned the socialite to appear at its Port Harcourt office on March 5 over alleged money laundering and a high-profile investment scam.
EFCC investigation: Presidency slams Atiku over ‘baseless’ distractions
The Presidency yesterday dismissed recent allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding financial dealings linked to Lagos State, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated distractions.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency asserted that Atiku’s claims were without merit and relied on social media speculation rather than factual evidence.
“These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance.
“It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for growth and stability.
“The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions,” the statement said.
Describing Atiku’s allegations as a “transparent ploy” to divert attention from his political struggles, the Presidency noted that the former Vice President was attempting to stay relevant after his loss in the 2023 presidential election.
“Since his defeat, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations,” the statement noted.
The Presidency urged Atiku to focus on initiatives that promote national unity and economic development, stressing the importance of constructive engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Additionally, the statement reaffirmed the independence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), dismissing any suggestion that the anti-graft agency was being influenced by external forces.
“The EFCC operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law,” Onanuga said.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and national progress, the Presidency maintained that it would not be deterred by political distractions.
“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.”
The statement comes as political tensions continue to simmer, with Atiku Abubakar’s latest claims stirring debate over the nature of political opposition and governance in Nigeria.
No political motives in Achimugu case —EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday dismissed reports insinuating that its ongoing investigation into Ms Aisha Achimugu is linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The anti-graft agency reiterated in a statement that Achimugu was being investigated solely for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The EFCC clarified that its probe has no political undertones and is unrelated to any dealings involving the two politicians.
The statement said that Achimugu has been under investigation since 2022 and she had previously obtained a court injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting or detaining her before the injunction was overturned by a Federal High Court in Abuja on February 19, 2025.
The court ruled that law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, have the authority to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion or evidence of wrongdoing.
Furthermore, the court upheld an interim order for the forfeiture of assets linked to Achimugu, dismissing her legal challenge as lacking merit.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and impartiality, the EFCC urged the public to avoid attaching political motives to its work.
“The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian,” the statement read, calling for continued public confidence in the agency’s operations.
