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.

President Tinubu Orders Manhunt as 16 Travellers Lynched in Edo Mob Attack

Nigeria has been shaken by the horrific murder of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, an act of jungle justice that has drawn nationwide condemnation, including from President Bola Tinubu and several state governors. The President has ordered an urgent manhunt for the killers, as calls for justice grow louder.

Mistaken Identity Turns Deadly

The victims, who claimed to be hunters, were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped by local vigilantes around 1:30 PM in Udune Efandion community. Upon searching the truck, dane guns were discovered, triggering an angry mob attack.

A gruesome video circulating on social media captured the travellers pleading for their lives as they were brutally beaten, lynched, and set ablaze. The chilling footage showed some community members going about their daily activities, seemingly unfazed by the unfolding horror.

An eyewitness, identified as John, revealed that the mob mistook the travellers for kidnappers. “After seeing the travellers with guns, the vigilantes raised the alarm, and people descended on them. However, they should have been handed over to the police,” he lamented.

A particularly disturbing scene in the video showed a resident using a wheelbarrow to dump one of the victims into the raging fire, as bystanders mocked their cries for mercy.

Delayed Police Response and Arrests

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that by the time officers arrived at the scene, the damage had been done. However, they managed to rescue ten of the travellers, two of whom sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Police spokesman Moses Yamu stated that 14 suspects have been arrested, while tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force, have been deployed to prevent further violence. He also warned against unlawful gatherings that might escalate tensions in the community.

Tinubu and Governors Demand Justice

President Bola Tinubu, visibly disturbed by the attack, has ordered security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law. In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and warned that mob justice has no place in Nigeria.

“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country,” the statement read.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also condemned the killings. Its chairman, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, described the act as barbaric and a gross violation of human rights. He urged authorities to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible, emphasizing that all Nigerians deserve to travel freely without fear.

Atiku, Okpebholo, Obi React

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the chorus of outrage, demanding a full investigation. “This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” he wrote on X.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo described the killings as “barbaric and vicious” and vowed that his administration would not tolerate such lawlessness.

As the nation reels from this shocking act, the pressure is on law enforcement agencies to deliver swift justice and prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, calls for community sensitization against jungle justice have intensified, as Nigerians demand a country where the rule of law prevails over mob violence.

EFCC Declares Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu Wanted Over Alleged Money Laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, wanted over an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

In an official circular released via the EFCC’s X handle on Friday, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, urged the public to provide any useful information regarding her whereabouts.

“The public is hereby notified that Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.

Achimugu, 51, hails from Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi State, with her last known address listed as 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC called on anyone with credible information to contact the commission at any of its zonal offices across the country or report to the nearest police station.

Summoned and Missing

Prior to declaring her wanted, the EFCC had summoned Achimugu to appear at its Port Harcourt office on March 5, 2025, for questioning regarding an alleged high-profile investment scam and money laundering case.

A letter dated March 4, signed by the EFCC’s acting Zonal Director in Port Harcourt, Adebayo Adeniyi, had been sent to Achimugu’s Abuja residence, requesting her presence for an interview with investigators.

“This commission is currently investigating a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from you becomes imperative. In view of the above, you are kindly requested to attend an interview on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, by 10:00 hours prompt,” the letter stated.

However, instead of honoring the summons, Achimugu allegedly left the country on Thursday, March 6, prompting the EFCC to obtain an arrest warrant and officially declare her wanted.

The agency has now intensified efforts to track her down and is appealing to the public and international partners for cooperation in bringing her to justice.

The case has sparked widespread attention, with financial crime watchdogs closely monitoring developments. As investigations continue, the EFCC remains resolute in its mission to hold accountable individuals involved in financial misconduct.