Businesswoman and investor Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of subjecting her to what she described as a prolonged campaign of harassment, claiming the agency’s actions have put her life, family and businesses at risk.
In a statement dated July 20, 2026, Achimugu said she was breaking her silence after enduring nearly two years of alleged intimidation, oppression and what she termed a deliberate effort to tarnish her reputation and that of her companies.
“Today, I am compelled to address both the local and international press in connection with what can best be described as a sustained campaign of calumny that threatens not just my personal rights to life and property, but the lives of my young children, aged parents, extended family and staff,” she said.
She alleged that the anti-graft agency wrongly associated her with MBA Forex and Capital Investment in 2023, a development that led to the freezing of both her personal and corporate bank accounts. Achimugu explained that her company had only conducted a single transaction with the firm and subsequently refunded ₦58 million into the EFCC’s recovery account, which she said resolved any issues relating to the transaction.
The businesswoman further claimed that despite responding to the commission’s invitations through her legal representatives, she was declared wanted in March 2025.
According to her, the declaration was made only hours after her company, Oceangate Oil & Gas Limited, provided evidence of a $20 million payment to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the acquisition of two oil blocks.
Achimugu also alleged that EFCC operatives later raided her residence, confiscated valuables and personal cash, and arrested her when she returned to Nigeria in April 2025, despite the existence of a valid court order.
She maintained that although a court granted her bail within 24 hours, she remained in custody for another five days after fulfilling the bail conditions.
The investor also accused the commission of freezing the accounts of all her companies, securing forfeiture orders on some of her assets, confiscating vehicles from her residence and initiating fresh court proceedings while related cases were still pending before other courts.
She said the developments had dealt a significant blow to her businesses and international reputation. According to Achimugu, she has invested close to $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry over the past five years, facilitated more than $100 million in foreign investments and currently provides employment for nearly 200 Nigerians.
Achimugu further alleged that the EFCC’s actions extended beyond Nigeria, claiming they contributed to the cancellation of her United States visa and affected her ability to travel using her Grenadian passport.
She appealed to the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene, insisting that genuine investors should not be subjected to what she described as unlawful treatment.
“I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, and I am not afraid to face the law provided due process is followed,” she said.
In an emotional appeal, Achimugu added: “MY VERY EXISTENCE AND LIFE ARE IN DANGER. MY PRIVATE LIFE AND PRIVACY INVADED. THE INNOCENCE AND SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN ARE UNDER THREAT. THE HEALTH AND PEACE OF MY AGED PARENTS ARE BEING SACRIFICED.”
(The Sun)
