Renowned businesswoman and socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu on Monday surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her return to Nigeria from London.
According to her legal representatives, Achimugu presented herself at the EFCC’s headquarters around 5 a.m., in line with an order issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, mandating her to appear before the commission on April 29, 2025.
Achimugu, who is under investigation for alleged criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud, was earlier declared wanted by the EFCC after failing to honour bail conditions set during a February 2024 interrogation. During her initial appearance, she made a written statement and was released on administrative bail via her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.
The EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, revealed that Achimugu is being investigated in connection with N8.71 billion traced to her company accounts, which she claimed was an “investment fund” used for the acquisition of oil blocks on behalf of the federal government through Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited. However, investigations reportedly uncovered that the source of the funds was suspicious, involving cash payments via bureau de change operators.
Justice Ekwo, in case FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, also directed Achimugu to appear before his court on April 30, 2025, to face proceedings in the matter. The EFCC noted that the businesswoman’s fundamental rights suit was a tactic to derail ongoing investigations, especially after a similar suit was previously dismissed in court.
As part of its investigation, the commission issued inquiries to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, Central Bank of Nigeria, and land registries to verify documents tied to the controversial transactions.
In a 9am News report, further developments emerged as popular Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, widely known as E-Money, was also arrested by EFCC operatives for allegedly flouting the Foreign Exchange Act.
E-Money was picked up at his Omole residence in Lagos on Monday night for allegedly spraying U.S. dollars at a public event—an act deemed as abuse of the Naira and a breach of Nigeria’s currency laws. He was swiftly flown to Abuja for interrogation.
“Yes, he is in our custody and is being interrogated by our investigators,” a source within the EFCC headquarters confirmed. The source added that E-Money’s case is still under review and charges may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
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