…Says agency’s actions threaten indigenous investments and jobs
…Vows to pursue justice through Nigerian and international courts
Daud Olatunji
Abuja-based businesswoman and investor, Aisha Achimugu, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of orchestrating what she described as a sustained campaign of persecution, alleging that her life, family, businesses and investments worth over $100 million are under threat.
Achimugu, in a lengthy statement issued on Tuesday and obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, appealed to the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, human rights organisations and the international community to intervene, claiming that the anti-graft agency had subjected her to intimidation, unlawful asset seizures, media trial and violations of court orders.
The businesswoman alleged that the EFCC’s actions had damaged her reputation locally and internationally, crippled her businesses and exposed her family to emotional and psychological trauma.
“I am not a criminal. I have never been convicted of any offence. My life is at risk. My children are under threat. My investments are being strangled,” she declared.
Achimugu alleged that the ordeal began in 2023 when the EFCC froze her personal and corporate bank accounts, including those belonging to her children and companies under the Felak Group, over allegations linking her to MBA Forex and Capital Investment.
She, however, denied any ownership or management interest in the company, insisting that her firm’s relationship with MBA Forex was limited to a single business transaction.
According to her, she refunded N58 million to the EFCC as part of efforts to resolve issues arising from that transaction.
The investor further alleged that despite maintaining communication with the commission through her lawyers regarding invitations for questioning, she was declared wanted in March 2025 shortly after her company paid $20 million to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for the acquisition of two oil blocks.
She claimed that EFCC operatives subsequently raided her residence, confiscated jewellery, cash and other valuables, and later arrested her upon her return to Nigeria in April 2025 despite a pending court order.
Achimugu also accused the commission of disobeying court orders by delaying her release after she met bail conditions granted by the Federal High Court.
She further alleged that the commission later froze additional bank accounts, secured multiple interim forfeiture orders against her assets and, in January 2026, conducted another raid on her residence during which several vehicles were allegedly seized.
The businesswoman claimed the agency’s actions had resulted in the closure of several international banking relationships, cancellation of investment opportunities and reputational damage extending beyond Nigeria.
She also alleged that the EFCC’s actions contributed to the revocation of her United States visa and adversely affected her international travel and business engagements, including plans to attend a Harvard executive programme.
Achimugu said she had invested nearly $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector within the last five years and attracted over $100 million in investments into the country’s economy.
She added that her companies employ about 200 Nigerians while her Sam Empowerment Foundation has executed health, education and community development projects across the country.
She urged the media to avoid what she described as a “trial by media” and called on relevant institutions to ensure due process and uphold the rule of law.
“I remain a proud Nigerian and believe in the judiciary. I am ready to face the law, provided due process is followed. Legitimate investors should not be subjected to persecution or have their assets seized without lawful proceedings,” she said.
