Nigerian businesswoman and investor Aisha Achimugu has publicly appealed for the protection of her life, family, and business interests, alleging that she has been subjected to intimidation, asset seizures, and what she described as a prolonged media trial.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Achimugu said the actions taken against her violate the principles of the rule of law and natural justice. She urged authorities to uphold court orders and called for an end to what she described as misleading reports about her and her companies.
Achimugu, the widow of the late Engr. Sulaiman Achimugu, former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), said she has spent more than 30 years building businesses in the oil and gas sector and other industries. She also noted that her SAM Empowerment Foundation has carried out several health, education, and community development projects across Nigeria.
She alleged that her legal troubles began in 2023 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched investigations into her affairs.
According to her, the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Command obtained an interim forfeiture order that led to the freezing of her personal bank accounts, her children’s accounts, and accounts belonging to companies under the Felak Group. She claimed the action stemmed from an incorrect association with MBA Forex and Capital Investment.
Achimugu stated that in January 2024, she honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency alongside her legal representatives. During the meeting, she explained that her company had only one transaction with MBA Forex and subsequently refunded ₦58 million to the EFCC’s recovery account through a bank draft.
She further alleged that in March 2025, she received invitations through WhatsApp to appear before the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office. Her lawyer reportedly responded by proposing dates in April 2025, but she claimed that a media campaign linking her to alleged financial crimes began before the scheduled meeting.
According to Achimugu, on March 28, 2025—the same day her company, Oceangate Oil & Gas Limited, submitted evidence of a $20 million payment to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for oil blocks PPL 302-DO and PPL 3007—the EFCC declared her wanted over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering. She also claimed that operatives searched her residence on the same day.
The businesswoman said she subsequently filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja in April 2025. She alleged that upon returning to Nigeria from an overseas trip on April 28, 2025, she was taken into EFCC custody. Although she was granted bail by the court, she claimed she remained in detention for five days before being released, while her international passport was retained.
Achimugu also alleged that additional enforcement actions followed, including the freezing of more bank accounts and the seizure of vehicles from her residence in January 2026. She said the matters are currently the subject of ongoing court proceedings and appeals.
She further claimed that her United States visa was revoked in April 2025 and that she encountered challenges with visa applications linked to her Grenadian citizenship, which she believes resulted from media reports referencing the EFCC’s declaration.
Highlighting her contributions to the economy, Achimugu said she has invested nearly $90 million in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry over the past five years and attracted more than $100 million in additional investments into the country. She added that her businesses directly employ about 200 Nigerians.
According to her, the investigations and related actions have negatively affected her business operations, international partnerships, and family, including her elderly parents and young children.
She called on the National Assembly, the Judiciary, security agencies, and both local and international human rights organisations to examine her case. She also appealed for protection of her life and property, respect for court orders, and an end to what she described as a media trial.
“I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, and 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 reaffirmed her commitment to investing in Nigeria and supporting private sector growth while expressing confidence that due process would ultimately prevail.
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