By Prosper Mene
Prominent Nigerian business executive and socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu has declared a hunger strike following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The arrest occurred around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, shortly after Achimugu arrived from London, reportedly to honor an EFCC invitation.
Achimugu, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group, was declared wanted by the EFCC in March 2025 over allegations of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and corruption linked to the controversial MBA Trading and Capital Limited scheme. The anti-graft agency also alleges she acquired two oil blocks for $25.6 million via bureau de change operators and operates 136 bank accounts across ten banks.
Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chikaosolu Ojukwu, condemned the arrest, asserting that Achimugu voluntarily returned to Nigeria to comply with a Federal High Court order issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo. The court had directed her to appear before the EFCC on April 29 and before the court on April 30, 2025, in connection with a lawsuit she filed to prevent her arrest. Ojukwu described the EFCC’s actions as a violation of her fundamental rights and labeled Achimugu a “prisoner of conscience.”
“She arrived voluntarily to honor the EFCC’s invitation, yet was arrested at the airport. She has immediately gone on a hunger strike to protest this breach of her rights,” Ojukwu stated.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide also criticized the arrest, alleging it disregarded a court order. “Achimugu filed an affidavit to report to the EFCC today and appear in court tomorrow. This manner of arrest speaks volumes,” the group said.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the arrest, and attempts to reach spokesperson Dele Oyewale were unsuccessful. Achimugu’s hunger strike has drawn significant attention, with supporters, including over 3,000 widows and orphans she reportedly aids, rallying for her release.
The case continues to unfold as Achimugu is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, amid growing debates over Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law.
