The Coalition For Good Governance and Accountability has frowned at the declaration of businesswoman and philanthropist, Mrs. Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu wanted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) despite informing the Commission that she was out of the country for medical reasons and requested an extension at their convenience.
The group which said it has consistently supported anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law, however, said on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja that it is constrained to express deep dissatisfaction with 'the manner in which the EFCC is demonstrating its desperation to clamp down on Mrs. Achimugu and her household'
In his speech, the Coalition's National Public Relations Officer, Adeniran Taiwo Olugbenga, urged the EFCC to operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
"We are fully aware that on the 4th of March 2025, the EFCC, through its Port Harcourt zonal office, sent an invitation to Mrs. Achimugu. In good faith and in adherence to due process, she promptly responded on the 5th of March, informing the Commission that she was out of the country for medical reasons and requested an extension at their convenience. Despite this, when she did not receive a response from the EFCC regarding her rescheduling request, she followed up with another letter a week later and subsequently wrote directly to the EFCC Chairman. This letter was duly acknowledged.
"However, in an unexpected and troubling turn of events, Mrs. Achimugu was shockingly declared wanted by the EFCC on the 15th of March 2025. This action has subjected Mrs. Achimugu and her family to severe emotional distress. Even more worrisome is the fact that, despite the EFCC’s public assurances under its current leadership that it has banned night raids, operatives of the Commission stormed the Abuja residence of Mrs. Achimugu in the dead of night.
"This raid saw her family members, domestic staff, and even her 80-year-old mother subjected to harassment, intimidation, and undue distress."
He stressed that to make matters worse; "this operation was conducted without a valid court warrant.
The operatives carted away several valuables belonging to the family, a spectacle that was vividly captured in television footages of the night raid. We find it appalling that the EFCC has refused to employ known civil procedures in the conduct of its investigations.
"The sequence of events leading to the declaration of Mrs. Achimugu as a wanted person reeks of an orchestrated political witch-hunt rather than a genuine investigative process.
"It is imperative to note that Mrs. Aisha Achimugu is a globally recognized entrepreneur with a distinguished record of integrity in business. She has played significant roles in major business ventures and national development projects. Until this recent campaign against her, Mrs. Achimugu had never been found culpable of any illegitimate activity.
"We call for serious caution on the part of the EFCC, as its current approach—marked by media trials, intimidation, and lawless operations—poses severe risks to investor confidence in Nigeria. The deliberate targeting and public shaming of hardworking individuals under the guise of fighting corruption is not only tarnishing the reputation of the EFCC but also undermining its very mandate.
"We remind Nigerians that this is not the first time the EFCC has employed a commando-style approach in its operations, as seen in the controversial handling of the case involving the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello. We urge the EFCC to operate within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
"In conclusion, we strongly condemn the unjust declaration of Mrs. Aisha Achimugu as wanted, the unlawful invasion of her home, and the mistreatment of her aged mother. We call on the EFCC to retrace its steps and uphold due process, fairness, and the principles of justice in the execution of its duties."