A Nigerian Business Executive, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, along with her legal team, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that she has already expressed her willingness to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning its ongoing investigation, as indicated in her court filings.
Senior Advocates Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Chikaosolu Ojukwu conveyed this information to Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings on Achimugu’s fundamental human rights enforcement suit against several agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), State Security Service (SSS), EFCC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Recall that EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, had issued a statement calling for public assistance in locating Achimugu.
“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.
The EFCC’s investigation covers allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, money laundering, corruption, and ownership of properties suspected to be unlawfully acquired. The case is said to involve MBA Trading and Capital Limited, among other entities.
In an earlier ruling on Achimugu’s suit, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, the court had directed the EFCC and other security agencies to file their responses to her application, which seeks to prevent her arrest and detention.
The Court Proceedings
At Monday’s hearing, Achimugu’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, explained that the hearing was adjourned to allow the respondents to justify why the reliefs sought should not be granted.
He pointed out that Achimugu only received the respondents’ counter-affidavits and motions for time extension late on Friday.
Ogunwumiju emphasized that Achimugu had already pledged in her affidavit to appear before the EFCC on 29th April 2025 and was willing to cooperate with the investigation, contrary to EFCC’s claims.
He argued that since she was already on bail, the Court could allow her to continue under the same terms and requested an order to prevent further harassment.
EFCC’s counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, responded that a similar application had previously been dismissed in February 2025 and alleged that Achimugu had violated her bail conditions by repeatedly refusing EFCC invitations.
Justice Ekwo clarified that the focus was on whether the respondents had shown cause against the interim reliefs and noted there should be no controversy if Achimugu had committed to appear as stated.
The Court’s Ruling
Justice Ekwo, in his ruling, observed that the EFCC’s filings confirmed Achimugu was under investigation and had been granted administrative bail, which the Commission claimed had lapsed due to non-compliance.
“The EFCC requires the applicant to appear before them to assist in the investigation, which is their constitutional obligation. I also see the applicant (Aisha Achimugu) expressing willingness to appear, and therefore, I find no controversy considering the applicant’s averment. None should be created,” the judge held.
Justice Ekwo ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on 29th April 2025, as she had stated in paragraph 61 of her affidavit.
He further directed that after her appearance, the EFCC must present a report of her compliance before the court on 30th April 2025.
Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, a consortium of companies operating across engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology sectors.
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