Aisha Achimugu Alleges EFCC Persecution, Says Her Life Is in Danger

Businesswoman and founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, Aisha Achimugu, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of persecution, intimidation, and abuse of legal process, claiming that the agency’s actions have endangered her life, damaged her reputation, and negatively affected her business.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Achimugu insisted she is not a criminal and has never been convicted of any offence. She alleged that the EFCC has subjected her to a sustained campaign of harassment, public humiliation, and the seizure of her lawfully acquired assets.

Her statement comes after courts granted final forfeiture orders transferring assets linked to her to the Federal Government. These include jewellery valued at over ₦4.6 billion, 11 luxury vehicles worth about ₦4.29 billion, $50,000, ₦30 million in cash, and an earlier forfeiture of $13 million, which the EFCC alleges are proceeds of unlawful activities.

Achimugu, however, maintained that the forfeiture orders are being challenged on appeal. She argued that the $13 million was part of a $20 million payment made by her company to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for petroleum prospecting licences and not the proceeds of any crime. She said documentary evidence supporting the transactions had already been submitted to the relevant authorities.

She further alleged that the EFCC acted in bad faith by declaring her wanted despite maintaining communication with her legal representatives. According to her, EFCC operatives later raided her residence, seized valuables and vehicles, intimidated members of her family, and caused significant financial and reputational losses. She also claimed the developments affected her international travel, including the revocation of her U.S. visa and difficulties obtaining another visa for a Harvard executive programme.

The EFCC has consistently maintained that its actions are based on ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering and proceeds of unlawful activities. As of the time of the report, the commission had not publicly responded to Achimugu’s latest allegations.

The matter remains before the courts, and the allegations and counter-allegations have not been finally determined.