By Didimoko A. Didimoko with report by PMT
Contrary to a blitz of media campaigns, an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES has confirmed that Abuja socialite, Aisha Achimugu, is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The report, published on Sunday evening, revealed that EFCC had obtained a warrant of arrest in connection with the investigation.
The newspaper also published a letter of invitation to Achimugu, dated March 4, with the reference number CR: 3000/EFCC/PHC/EIFS /TB/404-2022/ VOL.1/031.
“The document”, PMT said, “has also countered intense media campaigns by Ms Achimugu’s camp pushing a false narrative that the EFCC is not probing her.”
It said Ms Achimugu fled Nigeria hurriedly to avert honouring the invitation.
However, after the report ran, Ms Achimugu’s aide intensified media campaigns denying her ongoing probe by the EFCC.
The EFCC’s terse two-paragraph invitation stated, “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 with the undersigned through the Head of Investigation, on Wednesday 5th March 2025 by 10:00 hours prompt,” it added.
But rather than report to the EFCC as requested by the agency, Mrs Achimugu travelled out of Nigeria, a trip investigators believe was hurriedly arranged to evade interrogation and arrest.
Investigators said Ms Achimugu, an associate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, left Nigeria either on Thursday 6 March or Friday 7 March.
Following her discreet departure from the country, a top EFCC official told PREMIUM TIMES the agency obtained an arrest warrant preparatory to declaring her wanted.
A week ago, one David Abakpa, who identified himself as Ms Achimugu’s aide, launched a media campaign to confuse the public about the EFCC probe of the socialite.
Mr Abakpa, in a widely circulated statement, claimed he was responding to speculations that Ms Achimugu was arrested or being investigated by the EFCC.
The statement confirmed that Ms Achimugu left Nigeria but blamed “unscrupulous elements” for reports revealing the businesswoman’s ongoing probe by the EFCC.
That false narrative is still being pushed across legacy and social media by associates of Ms Achimugu even as the EFCC investigation of the allegations against her continues.
Investigation for this report was done by Premium Times
