Aisha Achimugu Claims Her Life Is in Danger Over EFCC Prosecution

A Nigerian businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, has claimed that her life was in danger following her prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

She also accused the anti-graft agency of harassment, intimidation and abuse of her fundamental rights, alleging that actions taken against her and her family have caused severe personal, financial and reputational damage.

The allegations were contained in a two-page public statement titled, “Nigerian Business Leader and Investor Speaks Out: Protection of Life and Respect for the Rule of Law,” dated July 20, 2026, in Abuja.

In the statement, Achimugu said she returned to Nigeria voluntarily after receiving medical treatment abroad to honour an EFCC invitation over an investigation into alleged financial misconduct.

According to her, she arrived in Abuja on January 5, 2024, where she was immediately arrested and detained despite claims that she had fully cooperated with investigators.

She alleged that her detention lasted for several days before she was granted administrative bail, adding that she was later required to deposit her international passport and meet other bail conditions.

Achimugu claimed that despite complying with the commission’s requests and appearing for questioning, she continued to face what she described as intimidation, repeated investigations and restrictions on her movement.

She also alleged that the EFCC obtained an interim forfeiture order over assets linked to companies in which she has interests, arguing that the order was secured without giving her an opportunity to defend herself.

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According to the businesswoman, she had instituted legal proceedings challenging the forfeiture order and other actions taken against her, insisting that she had complied with judicial directives and investigative requests.

Achimugu further alleged that the commission published her name and photographs on its official platforms, an action she claimed damaged her reputation and business relationships locally and internationally.

She maintained that she had invested significantly in Nigeria’s economy through interests in oil and gas, engineering, maritime, construction and other sectors, creating thousands of jobs.

The businesswoman also claimed that the prolonged investigation had affected her businesses, disrupted ongoing projects and exposed her employees and associates to uncertainty.

In the statement, Achimugu called on the Federal Government, the judiciary, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community and the international community to ensure respect for the rule of law and the protection of her fundamental rights.

She said, “For all these reasons, I call on all meaningful Nigerians, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the security services, Local and International Human Right Activists, our local and international partners to look into my situation with an open mind and demand that this continuous, malicious misleading, dangerous, and damaging public campaign/media trial against my person and the values I have stood for be corrected. Nigeria already contends with enough challenges of insecurity and economic hardship. Legitimate investors and law-abiding citizens should not have their assets seized in defiance of court orders, without any established court proceedings.

“I have always respected the rule of law. I returned voluntarily to Nigeria to cooperate with the EFCC because I have nothing to hide and I believe in due process. My life is at risk. My reputation and privacy have been damaged, and my businesses continue to suffer because of these actions.”

She urged the relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted within the bounds of the law while protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

“I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, and I am not afraid to face the law provided due process is followed. My lawyers are pursuing all legal remedies locally and internationally. I call on the media and the global business community to support a fair business environment in Nigeria and to reject the spread of defamatory and damaging information that harms the national economy.

“Nigeria is our great country. Let us build it together, without hate, mischief, malice, politics or anything that would distract or divide us. There is only one option, and it should remain the only option: protect your citizens, protect the economy of our nation, and encourage and support visible businesses. No nation thrives without the involvement of its private sector. It is well established that the private sector drives every nation’s economy,” Achimugu added.

The EFCC had not responded to the allegations contained in the statement as of the time this report was filed.