$250m Scandal: EFCC finally arrests Aisha Achimugu at Abuja Airport

Agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended the esteemed business executive and prominent socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, in a dramatic turn of events.

Known for her influence and vibrant presence in high society, Achimugu’s arrest has sent ripples through the community, drawing significant attention to her extensive network and formidable reputation in the business world.

Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

It was reported that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.

The court also directed that she be present on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian businesswoman who made national headlines last year for throwing a seven-day birthday party at the $132,000 per night Calivigny Island is being investigated for fraud.

In court filings seen by The Africa Report, Nigeria‘s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Aisha Achimugu channelled $25.3m of unknown origin through bureau-de-change operators to buy two offshore petroleum blocks – PPL 3007 and PPL 302-DO – and to bribe officials at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

According to The Witness, Aisha Achimugu’s troubles have deepened as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, intensifies its investigation into a major financial scandal involving the businesswoman who is currently at large.

This is as the EFCC recently discover luxury items and large sums of cash at her Abuja residence, linked to a missing $250 million.

Acting on a court-issued warrant, EFCC operatives raided Achimugu’s property located at No. 61 Hassan Usman Katsina Street, where they uncovered ₦30 million in cash, $50,000 in foreign currency, and several boxes filled with gold, diamond, and silver jewelry valued at over ₦1 billion.

The discovery forms part of a wider probe into allegations of money laundering and the mismanagement of political campaign funds.

Sources close to the investigation disclosed that the $250 million was allegedly entrusted to Aisha Achimugu by a governor to support preparations for election campaign.