Businesswoman and investor, Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of subjecting her to a prolonged campaign of harassment, alleging violations of her constitutional rights, disregard for court orders and actions that have negatively affected her family, businesses and reputation.
Achimugu made the allegations in a statement issued on Monday, where she said she was compelled to speak publicly after nearly two years of what she described as intimidation, oppression and a damaging media campaign against her and companies linked to her.
She alleged that the EFCC wrongly associated her with MBA Forex and Capital Investment, resulting in the freezing of her personal and corporate bank accounts in 2023.
According to her, investigations later established that her company had only carried out a single transaction involving the firm, after which it refunded N58 million to the EFCC recovery account.
Achimugu said the payment resolved her company’s involvement in that aspect of the investigation, adding that she remained in contact with the commission through her legal representatives regarding requests for clarification and invitations.
She, however, alleged that despite the ongoing communication, the EFCC declared her wanted in March 2025.
The businesswoman claimed the declaration occurred shortly after her company, Oceangate Oil & Gas Limited, submitted evidence of a $20 million payment to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for two oil blocks.
She further alleged that EFCC operatives later searched her residence, seized valuables and personal funds, and arrested her upon her return to Nigeria in April 2025 despite an existing court order.
Achimugu claimed that although a court granted her bail within 24 hours, she remained in detention for another five days after fulfilling the bail conditions.
She also accused the commission of freezing accounts connected to her businesses, securing forfeiture orders over assets, confiscating vehicles from her residence and pursuing additional legal actions while related matters were still before the courts.
The investor said the alleged actions had caused serious damage to her businesses and international reputation, warning that such treatment could discourage foreign investment into Nigeria.
She stated that she had invested nearly $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector over the last five years, attracted more than $100 million in investments into the country and created employment opportunities for about 200 Nigerians.
Achimugu also highlighted the activities of her foundation, which she said had supported health, education and community development initiatives across the country.
She alleged that the campaign against her had extended beyond Nigeria, claiming it contributed to the revocation of her United States visa and affected her ability to travel using her Grenadian passport.
Calling for intervention from the National Assembly, judiciary, security agencies, human rights organisations and the international community, Achimugu urged authorities to ensure that investors operating in Nigeria are treated in line with due process and the rule of law.
“I am not afraid to face the law provided due process is followed. My lawyers are pursuing all legal remedies locally and internationally,” she said.
Achimugu appealed to the media and the global business community to support a fair investment environment in Nigeria, warning against the spread of information she described as defamatory and harmful to the country’s economic interests.
She expressed concern for her personal safety, privacy and the wellbeing of her children, parents, family members and employees, urging relevant authorities to provide protection and ensure justice.
