The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday arrested Nigerian businesswoman and socialite Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Achimugu was taken into custody around 5 a.m., shortly after she landed from London. She had returned to the country voluntarily, following a court directive mandating her appearance before the EFCC and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In March, the EFCC had declared Achimugu wanted over serious allegations of criminal conspiracy and large-scale money laundering.
On Monday, Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court ordered her to appear before the anti-graft agency on Tuesday and in court on Wednesday, April 30.
Her legal counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), condemned the arrest, stating that Achimugu came back based on an undertaking made in court, expecting to honour the EFCC’s invitation without being detained.
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“This arrest is a clear violation of the court’s position. She was not to be detained upon her return,” Ojukwu stated.
He further revealed that the accused had commenced a hunger strike to protest what she views as a breach of her fundamental rights, describing her as “a prisoner of conscience.”
An EFCC source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the arrest, defending the agency’s actions.
“She was declared wanted. There is no restriction on arresting her. The court only said she shouldn’t be detained if she appeared voluntarily. But how sure were we she would come to us before the court sitting?” the source said.
Achimugu is expected to appear before the EFCC and the Federal High Court as scheduled. Her legal team has hinted at taking further legal steps in response to the detention.
Crediblenewsng.com
