Businesswoman and investor Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of subjecting her to prolonged harassment, alleging repeated violations of her constitutional rights, disregard for court orders, and actions she claims have endangered her life, family, and businesses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Achimugu said she decided to speak publicly after nearly two years of what she described as intimidation, oppression, and a sustained media campaign against her and her companies.
She alleged that the EFCC falsely linked her to MBA Forex and Capital Investment in 2023, leading to the freezing of her personal and corporate bank accounts. According to her, her legal team later established that one of her companies had only carried out a single transaction with the firm and subsequently refunded ₦58 million to the EFCC recovery account, which she said resolved any connection to the investigation.
Achimugu further claimed that despite maintaining communication with the anti-graft agency through her lawyers regarding invitations for questioning, the EFCC declared her wanted in March 2025.
She alleged that the declaration came just hours after her company, Oceangate Oil & Gas Limited, submitted proof of a $20 million payment to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the acquisition of two oil blocks.
The businesswoman also accused EFCC operatives of searching her residence, confiscating valuables and cash, and arresting her upon her return to Nigeria in April 2025 despite an existing court order. She claimed that although a court granted her bail within 24 hours, she remained in detention for five additional days after meeting the bail conditions.
Achimugu further alleged that the commission froze accounts linked to her businesses, secured forfeiture orders against her assets, seized vehicles from her residence, and initiated fresh legal proceedings while related matters were still pending before other courts.
She said the EFCC’s actions have negatively affected her businesses, investments, and international reputation, adding that she has invested nearly $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector over the past five years, attracted more than $100 million in foreign investments, and employs about 200 Nigerians.
According to Achimugu, the situation also had international consequences, including the revocation of her United States visa and restrictions affecting travel with her Grenadian passport.
She called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, human rights groups, and the international community to intervene, insisting that genuine investors should not be subjected to unlawful treatment.
Achimugu maintained that she is prepared to face any legal process provided it is conducted in accordance with due process, while noting that her legal team is pursuing remedies both within and outside Nigeria.
In a final appeal, she alleged that her life and the safety of her family are under threat, urging the media and the global business community to support fairness, justice, and a conducive investment climate in Nigeria.
The EFCC had not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of filing this report.