ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigerian businesswoman and investor, Aisha Achimugu, has broken her silence over her prolonged face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of subjecting her to a sustained media trial, violating her fundamental rights and endangering her life, family and businesses.
In a press statement made available to VONa on Monday, Achimugu alleged that the EFCC had orchestrated a campaign to destroy her reputation, businesses and investments.
She maintained that she had never been convicted of any offence and had consistently honoured invitations from the commission.
The entrepreneur, who described herself as a law-abiding citizen, philanthropist and employer of labour, said she decided to speak publicly after nearly two years of silence because the situation had become unbearable.
“My very existence and life are in danger. My private life and privacy have been invaded. The innocence and safety of my children are under threat, while the health and peace of my aged parents are being sacrificed,” she said.
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She added that her security, global reputation, companies, investments and international immigration privileges were under threat, insisting her dignity and privacy had remained under constant attack.
Achimugu alleged that the EFCC’s actions had exposed her and her family to public danger through what she described as a deliberate media campaign.
“At this point, it is obvious that the objective is not merely to wear me down, but to put my life at risk, endanger my young children and the safety of my parents by constantly exposing us to public danger through media trial,” she said.
She claimed the dispute began after the EFCC linked her to MBA Forex and Capital Investment. However, she insisted neither she nor any of her companies had ownership interests in the firm.
According to her, the misunderstanding was resolved after one of her companies refunded N58 million linked to a single transaction carried out on behalf of the company.
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Achimugu further alleged that despite maintaining communication with the commission through her lawyers, she was later declared wanted, her residence was invaded by armed operatives and her assets were seized.
She also claimed several local and international bank accounts had remained frozen for nearly two years, resulting in the loss of business financing opportunities worth millions of dollars.
The businesswoman accused the commission of disregarding court orders, alleging that she was detained beyond the period authorised by the court despite being granted bail.
She also alleged that her elderly mother, who had recently returned from spinal surgery abroad, was subjected to emotional trauma during an EFCC operation at her residence, worsening her health.
Achimugu further claimed the controversy had affected her international profile, alleging that her United States visa was revoked after she was declared wanted.
She added that the development also affected her ability to travel using her Grenadian passport.According to her, the situation prevented her from attending a Harvard executive programme and strained long-standing international business relationships.
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The investor said she had invested nearly 90 million dollars in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector over the past five years and attracted more than 100 million dollars in foreign investments into the country.
She added that her businesses employ about 200 Nigerians, while her foundation has executed health, education, scholarship and humanitarian projects benefiting thousands of people nationwide.
Calling on the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, local and international human rights organisations and the global business community to intervene, Achimugu urged authorities to protect investors and uphold the rule of law.
“I cry out today not because I have lost faith in the Nigerian judiciary or in the power of the Nigerian State to do justice without fear or favour, but because if it can happen to me today, no one knows who may be next tomorrow,” she said.
She maintained that she remained willing to face any legitimate investigation, provided due process was followed.”I believe that justice delayed is justice denied, and I am not afraid to face the law, provided due process is followed,” she added.
Achimugu concluded by appealing for the protection of her life, children, parents, staff, businesses and investments, warning that continued attacks on legitimate businesses could discourage investment and undermine Nigeria’s economy.