Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of harassment, alleging that the agency’s actions have endangered her life and that of her family.
Achimugu made the allegations while reacting to the anti-graft agency’s ongoing investigations into her financial activities and the recent forfeiture of assets linked to her by a Federal High Court.
According to her, the EFCC wrongly associated her with the controversial MBA Forex investment scheme, a development she said resulted in the freezing of her bank accounts and the seizure of her assets despite her efforts to clarify the matter.
The businesswoman maintained that she had no involvement in the operations of MBA Forex and insisted that any issues relating to the company had been addressed long before the EFCC’s actions against her.
She alleged that the agency’s handling of the investigation had subjected her and her family to emotional distress, reputational damage and financial hardship.
Achimugu argued that the measures taken by the commission, including restrictions on her financial activities, had negatively affected her businesses and personal life.
She further claimed that the EFCC’s actions had exposed her to public scrutiny and security concerns, saying the publicity surrounding the investigation had placed her family at risk.
The businesswoman called on the commission to conduct its investigations fairly and professionally, urging authorities to avoid actions that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings or tarnish the reputation of individuals before the conclusion of investigations.
Her remarks come amid a legal battle between her and the anti-corruption agency over assets reportedly linked to alleged proceeds of unlawful activities.
The EFCC has maintained that its actions are in line with its statutory mandate to investigate economic and financial crimes, recover assets suspected to have been acquired through illicit means and prosecute offenders where sufficient evidence exists.
The commission has also stated in previous court filings that the forfeiture proceedings were initiated in accordance with the law and based on evidence presented before the court.
A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the final forfeiture of assets valued at ₦8.9 billion, including luxury vehicles, jewellery and other properties, linked to Achimugu following an application by the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency argued that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, a claim Achimugu has continued to dispute.
Legal analysts note that disputes involving asset forfeiture often proceed through the courts, where affected parties have the opportunity to challenge the government’s claims and seek appropriate legal remedies.
As the legal proceedings continue, both Achimugu and the EFCC are expected to present their respective arguments before the court, which will ultimately determine the merits of the claims and any further actions arising from the case.
