Aisha Achimugu, aide and close ally to the Lagos State governor Sanwo Olu has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Nigeria Anti-graft Agency released a circular on Friday declaring Aisha Achimugu wanted for an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Failure to Appear Before the EFCC
Achimugu had previously been summoned to appear before the EFCC port Harcourt office on March 5 over alleged money laundering and a high-profile investment scam. The summon was delivered to her residence in Abuja on March 4th. However, rather than appearing before the anti-graft agency, Achimugu reportedly fled the country on March 6.
Arrest Warrant and Public Appeal
Following her alleged absence from the country and her failure to report to the EFCC office, the anti-graft agency has obtained an arrest warrant and declared her wanted.
The published circular identifies Aisha Achimugu as a 51-year-old woman, an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, with her last known address at 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja, her residence in Abuja,
The EFCC has called on the public to watch out for Achimugu and anybody with any useful information as to her whereabouts to contact the commission in any of its branches across the country.
The circular partly reads “Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the commission at its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices or through 08093322644, its email address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest police station or other security agencies.”
Implications of Her Alleged Flight
Achimugu’s alleged flight from the country after being summoned to the EFCC office casts a shadow over her innocence and credibility. Her close association with Governor Sanwo-Olu further amplifies the public scrutiny, as Nigerians weigh her absence as questionable to the integrity of the Lagos State administration. Her departure suggests an attempt to evade justice, reinforcing suspicions about her involvement in financial misconduct.
Bottom Line
The EFCC’s actions against Achimugu reflect its continued commitment to curbing financial crimes, particularly among public officials and their associates. By pursuing high-profile individuals, the commission aims to deter corruption and enforce accountability. However, the effectiveness of these efforts often depends on the agency’s ability to secure cooperation from both the public and other government institutions.