Achimugu: 20+ Lawyers, Activists Sue EFCC Over Businesswoman’s Wanted Status, Home Raid

A group of 20 constitutional lawyers and activists, led by Barrister Okere Kingdom, has initiated legal proceedings against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring businesswoman Aisha Achimugu wanted and raiding her home. The group, acting on behalf of a consortium of human rights and constitutional lawyers, is seeking to overturn the allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering leveled against Achimugu.

The EFCC had, in a statement released on its official X handle last Friday, declared Achimugu wanted for her alleged involvement in financial crimes. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that Achimugu was implicated in a case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

However, the legal group has described the allegations as baseless, vowing to challenge what they call an unjust declaration and the invasion of her properties. In a statement on Sunday, the lawyers condemned what they perceive as an organized effort to intimidate a successful businesswoman who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy. They accused the EFCC of using state power for political purposes, targeting an individual with no political affiliations.

The group further alleged that shortly after the EFCC’s public declaration, agents of the commission stormed Achimugu’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, where they reportedly harassed her elderly mother. They claimed a similar raid was carried out at her home in Maitama. The lawyers condemned these actions as a violation of fundamental human rights and an attempt to instill fear.

According to the legal team, multiple lawsuits will be filed this week to put an end to what they term “unjust persecution” and efforts to tarnish Achimugu’s reputation. They emphasized that they will not stand by while state institutions are allegedly used to suppress a hardworking entrepreneur.