Prominent Nigerian business executive and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has embarked on a hunger strike following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite voluntarily returning to the country to honour an invitation by the agency.
Her legal counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, disclosed on Tuesday that Achimugu was apprehended at about 5:00 a.m. by EFCC operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja mere hours after flying in from London.
Achimugu, who was declared wanted in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, had reportedly informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of her intention to visit the EFCC the following day. The court, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had also directed her to appear in person both before the Commission on Tuesday and the court on Wednesday.
Ojukwu, however, decried her arrest, describing it as a breach of due process and “a violation of the rule of law.”
“Our client returned voluntarily in line with a formal court undertaking to honour the EFCC’s invitation. Yet, she was intercepted and detained at the airport. This contradicts every principle of fair justice,” he said.
The senior advocate added that Achimugu has commenced a hunger strike in protest, asserting her position as a “prisoner of conscience.”
Achimugu is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Felak Concept Group a conglomerate with interests spanning engineering, maritime, oil and gas, and information technology.
