The Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability has raised concerns over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to declare businesswoman and philanthropist, Mrs Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, wanted despite her prior communication with the commission about being out of the country for medical reasons.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the group, which has consistently supported anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law, expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it described as the EFCC’s desperate measures against Mrs. Achimugu and her household.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, its National Public Relations Officer, Adeniran Taiwo Olugbenga, urged the EFCC to operate within the confines of the law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.
“We are fully aware that on March 4, 2025, the EFCC’s Port Harcourt zonal office invited Mrs. Achimugu for questioning. In good faith, she promptly responded the following day, informing the commission that she was out of the country for medical reasons and requested a rescheduling at their convenience. Despite following up with another letter a week later and later writing directly to the EFCC Chairman—a letter that was duly acknowledged—she was still declared wanted on March 15, 2025,” Olugbenga stated.
According to the Coalition, Mrs. Achimugu’s family has suffered emotional distress due to the EFCC’s actions. They alleged that EFCC operatives raided her Abuja residence at night despite the commission’s public assurance that it had banned such clandestine operations.
“This raid saw her family members, domestic staff, and even her 80-year-old mother subjected to harassment and intimidation. To make matters worse, the operation was conducted without a valid court warrant,” Olugbenga added.
The Coalition further alleged that EFCC operatives confiscated valuables from Mrs. Achimugu’s residence, a scene captured in television footage. They criticiSed the EFCC for bypassing known civil procedures in its investigations.
The group suggested that Mrs. Achimugu’s situation may be politically motivated rather than a genuine investigative process. They emphasiSed that she is a globally recognized entrepreneur with a history of integrity in business and national development projects, with no prior record of wrongdoing.
“The EFCC’s current approach—marked by media trials, intimidation, and lawless operations—poses severe risks to investor confidence in Nigeria. Targeting hardworking individuals under the guise of fighting corruption not only tarnishes the EFCC’s reputation but also undermines its very mandate,” Olugbenga warned.
He cited past controversial EFCC operations, including the handling of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s case, as evidence of a pattern of aggressive tactics.
The Coalition strongly condemned the EFCC’s declaration of Mrs. Achimugu as wanted, the alleged unlawful invasion of her home, and the mistreatment of her aged mother. They called on the commission to uphold due process, fairness, and justice in carrying out its duties.
“We urge the EFCC to retrace its steps and ensure that its actions align with the principles of justice, rather than resorting to media sensationalism and intimidation,” the statement concluded.
