EFCC Dismisses Political Links in Achimugu Investigation, Reaffirms Independence
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has categorically denied any political undertones in its ongoing investigation of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, dismissing speculations that the probe is connected to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The EFCC’s statement comes in response to a report by People’s Gazette, which suggested that Achimugu had allegedly funneled funds to Atiku and Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election campaign, leading to friction between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu. The Commission has refuted these claims, emphasizing that its investigations are solely focused on Achimugu’s alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering activities.
In a statement released via its official channels, the EFCC reaffirmed its neutrality and professional commitment to justice, stating, “The public is hereby notified that the investigation of Ms. Aisha Achimugu has no bearing, whether immediate or remote, on any political figure, including Atiku Abubakar or Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She is being investigated for alleged financial crimes and has been declared wanted by the Commission.”
The agency clarified that its investigation into Achimugu began in 2022 and was challenged in court when she sought an injunction preventing her arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled against her on February 19, 2025, affirming the Commission’s authority to probe her alleged activities. The court also upheld an interim order for the forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, thereby dismissing her appeal as lacking merit.
This judicial backing, according to the EFCC, underscores the legitimacy of its probe and further reinforces the Commission’s stance that it operates without political bias. The EFCC warned against attempts to misinterpret its work, stating, “We remain a non-partisan and non-sectarian institution committed to the fight against corruption. The public is urged to disregard any attempts to link our work to political maneuvering.”
The Presidency also weighed in on the matter, describing claims of a political conspiracy against Atiku and Sanwo-Olu as baseless. The administration accused Atiku of spreading unsubstantiated rumors, maintaining that President Tinubu had no hand in the EFCC’s probe of Achimugu.
As the investigation unfolds, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency, vowing that no individual, regardless of status or affiliation, will be shielded from the law if found culpable. The agency urged anyone with relevant information regarding Achimugu’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing its determination to bring financial criminals to justice.