Abuja – April 29, 2025
Socialite Achimugu has embarked on a hunger strike after being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
Her legal representative, Ojukwu, confirmed that Achimugu had arrived voluntarily before the EFCC and was promptly arrested. He also revealed that she immediately began her hunger strike upon her detention.
“She arrived voluntarily and was arrested by the EFCC. She has immediately gone on hunger strike,” Ojukwu said, drawing comparisons between his client’s protest and the struggles of global icons like Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, describing her as a “prisoner of conscience.”
Ojukwu expressed his belief that this difficult phase would eventually pass, adding that Nigeria’s rule of law is currently at a critical juncture.
Alleged Money Laundering
Achimugu had been declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged involvement in money laundering on March 28. A recent federal high court order mandated her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday for questioning in relation to the ongoing investigation.
In the proceedings, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court also directed that Achimugu be presented before the court on Wednesday. This followed a suit she filed, seeking an interim injunction to prevent security agencies from arresting or harassing her.
During the hearing, Achimugu’s counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, stated that his client was willing to honor the EFCC’s invitation on April 29 upon her return to the country. He requested that the court allow her to report to the EFCC while adhering to the previous bail conditions set by the agency.
In response, the EFCC’s legal representative argued that Achimugu’s application was speculative, asserting that her rights had not been violated. The EFCC lawyer further contended that Achimugu had breached the administrative bail conditions that had been granted to her earlier.
