Justice Ekwo orders Aisha Achimugu to appear before EFCC over allegations of money laundering, conspiracy and corruption

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ustice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has directed businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Also read: Firm denounces false arrest report on Aisha Achimugu, demands retraction

The court also ordered her to attend proceedings on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.

The ruling, delivered on Monday, April 28, 2025, stems from a suit filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the Commission had submitted a counter-affidavit detailing Achimugu’s investigation.

According to the affidavit deposed by investigator Chris Odofin, Achimugu faces allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and unlawful property possession.

The EFCC disclosed that Achimugu initially honoured an invitation on February 12, 2024, where she provided a written statement and was granted administrative bail.

However, she allegedly breached the terms of her bail by failing to report as required and instead filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commission.

Investigators revealed that Achimugu’s company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, received N8.71 billion, which she described as an “investment fund” for acquiring an oil block.

Documentation showed that the company secured two oil blocks, PPL 3007 and PPL 302-DO, for $25.3 million. The payments were allegedly made through bureau de change operators, with no traceable legitimate business origin.

Further findings indicated that the oil blocks had not commenced exploration or production, and the acquisition process allegedly involved acts of corruption.

EFCC noted that Achimugu’s current lawsuit is an attempt to obstruct investigations, despite a prior dismissal of her fundamental rights claim.

The commission also revealed that Achimugu operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks, both personally and through corporate entities.

“The applicant’s action is a calculated move to frustrate the ongoing investigation, but the Commission remains resolute in pursuing the truth,” EFCC’s affidavit stated.