FBI Interrogates Aisha Achimugu for Eight Hours; Plans to Arraign Her in Court Today
In a shocking turn of events, businesswoman and socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu found herself in the center of controversy when she was nabbed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) early Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon her arrival from London.
Her arrest came just a day after Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her to show up before the EFCC on April 29 and in court today, April 30.
136 Accounts Under Investigation
According to an affidavit deposed to by EFCC investigator Chris Odofin, Achimugu is under investigation on allegations of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, obtaining money by false pretense, and possession of property suspected to be acquired through unlawful means.
The EFCC reveals that Achimugu operates a staggering 136 bank accounts across ten banks, many of them corporate, and will be expected to account for the nature and origin of the transactions across these accounts.
dollars in Question
Achimugu reportedly told investigators that the $25.3 million in question was an "investment fund" for the acquisition of two oil blocks - Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO - through her company. However, EFCC investigations have unveiled that the funds were routed through bureau de change operators, casting doubts over the origins of the funds and the transparency of the acquisition process.
Heading to Court
Sources within the EFCC confirmed that Achimugu had been under investigation for hours and may be taken directly to court for proceedings in line with the existing court order. The proceedings commence today, April 30.
The official also emphasized that any bail application by Achimugu would be subject to court discretion, considering her previous bail violations.
Achimugu previously made headlines as a wanted individual by the EFCC in March due to her high-profile status and the scale of the alleged financial infractions.
Additional Insights
The EFCC's investigations suggest that Dr. Aisha Achimugu Sulaiman, the CEO of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, is being probed for suspected corrupt practices involving the acquisition of oil blocks Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO, which were acquired for $25.3 million through questionable cash payments via bureau de change operators.
Sources of the funds may not be traced to legitimate business activities, according to the EFCC, with corruption allegations, including bribing officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), looming over the case.
Accountability is at the heart of the EFCC's investigation, as they are examining inflows of approximately N8.71 billion (equivalent to $25.3 million) that Achimugu has claimed were "investment funds" for oil block acquisitions. These funds were allegedly routed through a network of 136 bank accounts across 10 Nigerian banks.
This high-profile case underscores the government's efforts to crackdown on financial crimes and stamp out corruption to foster transparency and promote a corruption-free economy.
- The businesswoman, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Nigeria, after her arrival from London.
- Aisha is under investigation for allegations of money laundering, obtaining money by false pretenses, and possessing property suspected to be acquired through unlawful means, with the EFCC investigating 136 bank accounts operated by her across ten banks.
- The funds in question, amounting to $25.3 million, were reportedly intended for the acquisition of two oil blocks, Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO, through her company.
- However, investigations by the EFCC have revealed that the funds were likely routed through bureau de change operators, casting doubts over their origins and the transparency of the acquisition process.
- Any bail application by Aisha would be subject to the court's discretion, considering her previous bail violations, and she may be taken directly to court for proceedings as confirmed by sources within the EFCC.
- The proceedings are likely to commence today, April 30, and the case is related to general news and crime and justice, as Aisha is being probed for suspected corrupt practices, including bribing officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
- The EFCC's investigation aims to create accountability, as they examining inflows of approximately N8.71 billion (equivalent to $25.3 million) that Aisha has claimed were "investment funds" for oil block acquisitions, allegedly routed through a network of 136 bank accounts across 10 Nigerian banks.
