OPERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, April 29, arrested socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.
This was disclosed by her legal team in a statement, adding that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was picked up around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, her lawyer had told a Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC the same date in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Justice Inyang Ekwo had ordered he to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, April 29, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.
The Judge also directed her to be present in person before the court on Wednesday, April 30, to continue proceedings in the matter.
According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the order was made in a ruling in respect of a suit filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force; Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC); Department of State Service (DSS); EFCC; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
In its response to Achimugu’s application, EFCC’s Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, informed the court of a counter-affidavit deposed to by one of its investigators, Chris Odofin, outlining the circumstances leading to her invitation.
In the affidavit, Odofin said Achimugu was under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering, corruption and possession of property reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.
The Commission noted that Achimugu had initially honoured its invitation on February 12, last year, during which she made a written statement and was subsequently granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.
He stated that she, however, failed to report as agreed, choosing instead to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commission.
The affidavit showed that Achimugu, in her statement, explained the inflow of N8.71billion into her corporate bank accounts as an “investment fund” for the acquisition of an oil block.
She claimed the funds were transferred to the Federal Government’s account through her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, referencing documentation from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Further investigation in the affidavit, however, indicated that Achimugu’s company actually acquired two oil blocks, Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO at the cost of $25.3 million, for which payments were allegedly made in cash via bureau de change operators and that the ultimate sources of the funds could not be traced to any legitimate business income or partnerships.
EFCC further alleged that the acquisition process was fraught with corruption and that despite the acquisition, neither of the two oil blocks had commenced exploration or production as of the time of investigation.
It stated that Achimugu’s current suit is a calculated attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation, despite a previous court decision in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024, dismissing her claim of fundamental rights violations.
“Following the dismissal of the earlier suit, the EFCC continued its investigation by dispatching inquiry letters to various banks and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS); Land Authorities and Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to gather more evidence.
“As more responses were received, the team analysed them, while further responses are being awaited.
“The affidavit also shows the applicant operates a total of one hundred and thirty-six (136) bank accounts across 10 different banks, both in her personal and corporate names.
“The case continues on Wednesday, April 30, with Achimugu expected to report to the EFCC on Tuesday as directed by the court.”
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