Nigerian businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has alleged that her life is in danger following her prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of harassment, intimidation and violating her fundamental rights.
The allegations were contained in a two-page public statement titled, “Nigerian Business Leader and Investor Speaks Out: Protection of Life and Respect for the Rule of Law,” dated July 20, 2026, and issued in Abuja.
Achimugu said she voluntarily returned to Nigeria after receiving medical treatment abroad in response to an EFCC invitation over an investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
According to her, she arrived in Abuja on January 5, 2024, where she was immediately arrested and detained despite her willingness to cooperate with investigators. She said she spent several days in detention before she was granted administrative bail, which required her to surrender her international passport and fulfil other conditions.
The businesswoman alleged that despite honouring the commission’s invitations and cooperating with investigators, she continued to face repeated investigations, intimidation and restrictions on her movement.
She further claimed that the EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order over assets linked to companies in which she has interests without giving her an opportunity to defend herself. She said she has challenged the forfeiture order and other actions taken against her in court, maintaining that she has complied with both judicial directives and investigative requests.
Achimugu also accused the commission of publishing her name and photographs on its official platforms, alleging that the action damaged her reputation and affected her business relationships within and outside Nigeria.
She said the prolonged investigation had disrupted businesses in which she has interests across the oil and gas, engineering, maritime and construction sectors, affecting ongoing projects, employees and associates.
Calling on the Federal Government, the judiciary, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community and the international community to intervene, Achimugu urged them to ensure respect for the rule of law and the protection of her fundamental rights.
She said, “I have always respected the rule of law. I returned voluntarily to Nigeria to cooperate with the EFCC because I have nothing to hide and I believe in due process. My life is at risk. My reputation and privacy have been damaged, and my businesses continue to suffer because of these actions.”
She also maintained that she was prepared to face any lawful investigation, provided due process is observed.
“I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, and I am not afraid to face the law provided due process is followed. My lawyers are pursuing all legal remedies locally and internationally. I call on the media and the global business community to support a fair business environment in Nigeria and to reject the spread of defamatory and damaging information that harms the national economy.”
Achimugu further appealed for support for legitimate businesses, saying, “Nigeria is our great country. Let us build it together, without hate, mischief, malice, politics or anything that would distract or divide us. There is only one option, and it should remain the only option: protect your citizens, protect the economy of our nation, and encourage and support visible businesses. No nation thrives without the involvement of its private sector. It is well established that the private sector drives every nation’s economy.”
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in Achimugu’s statement.
