Achimugu’s family accuses EFCC of political witch-hunt

DDM News

ABUJA – The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to cease what it calls the “unjust persecution” of socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

The group’s National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, issued a statement on Monday condemning the EFCC’s approach in raiding Achimugu’s Abuja residence.

A viral video recently surfaced, showing EFCC officials allegedly invading the family home of Achimugu.

This incident followed the Commission’s decision to declare her wanted.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, In the footage, her 80-year-old mother was allegedly forced to sit on the bare floor, subjected to inhumane treatment, and denied water despite pleading for it.

Nnabuike questioned why the EFCC hastily declared Achimugu wanted just days after inviting her for questioning.

According to him, findings by the Igbo group indicated that shortly after Achimugu’s lawyer received the invitation, the EFCC rushed to the media to pronounce her wanted.

He noted that the official letter from the EFCC stated that the allegations against her remained unproven.

“This situation suggests a deliberate plot to humiliate and tarnish her reputation,” Nnabuike asserted.

“What else explains the urgency in declaring her wanted so soon after sending an invitation?” he queried.

He emphasized that Achimugu is a globally recognized figure and not a political figure.

“She is a recipient of national honors and an awardee of the U.S. President’s award,” Nnabuike noted.

“A person of her status would never need to hide.”

He pointed out that Achimugu was out of the country when the EFCC issued its invitation, which, in his view, did not justify the rushed declaration.

Declaring her wanted without a court ruling, he argued, was completely unjustified.

He described the development as appalling and urged the EFCC not to be manipulated for political vendettas.

According to him, Achimugu is an accomplished and reputable businesswoman from a well-respected family.

“There has never been any controversy about her wealth,” Nnabuike stated.

“She abides by the law and has significantly contributed to the nation’s progress.”

He called for the immediate withdrawal of the EFCC’s “wanted” notice on Achimugu.

Citing Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Police Act, Nnabuike stressed that arresting someone by proxy is illegal.

He described the EFCC’s approach as a violation of Nigeria’s legal provisions.

“The invitation and declaration of Achimugu as wanted is both unlawful and unconstitutional,” he maintained.

The group had expected the EFCC to reconsider its stance, but its continued silence suggested an intent to damage her reputation.

“This is disturbing and deserves outright condemnation,” he insisted.

“There is no legal justification for this action, making it a gross violation of justice.”

He recalled that the EFCC had previously pledged to end such arbitrary raids but lamented that there seemed to be no change in its methods.

“These crude arrest strategies defy reason and the rule of law,” Nnabuike said.

He argued that the entire situation seemed politically motivated, aimed at appeasing certain interests.

“We urge the EFCC chairman, who promised institutional reforms, to ensure that due process is followed,” he added.

He called on the Commission to allow the legal system to handle the case properly without resorting to further intimidation.

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