EFCC denies political influence in investigation of Aisha Achimugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that its ongoing investigation into Ms. Aisha Achimugu is politically motivated or linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement released by the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency categorically denied any political undercurrents in its probe of Achimugu, emphasizing that she is being investigated solely for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The Commission also confirmed that Achimugu has been declared wanted.

According to the EFCC, investigations into Achimugu’s financial dealings commenced in 2022. Although she initially obtained a court injunction restraining the Commission from arresting, investigating, inviting, or detaining her, the EFCC legally challenged the injunction. On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja vacated the injunction, paving the way for further action by the Commission.

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The court, in its ruling, asserted that no judicial body has the power to prevent law enforcement agencies such as the EFCC from carrying out their constitutional duties of investigating crimes.

The ruling stated: “…no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police or EFCC or any agency established under our laws to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion of commission of a crime or ample evidence of commission of an offence by a suspect.”

Additionally, the court upheld the EFCC’s interim order for the forfeiture of Achimugu’s assets, which are suspected to be proceeds of crime. Her legal challenge against the forfeiture was dismissed as lacking merit.

The EFCC reiterated that its investigation is based strictly on legal and factual grounds, with no connection to any political figures or transactions. The agency urged the public to disregard any insinuations of political bias and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, non-partisanship, and impartiality in its operations.

“We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works,” the statement concluded.