Aisha Achimugu starts hunger strike while in EFCC custody

Prominent Nigerian executive and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has reportedly undergone a hunger strike while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This comes after her arrest by operatives of the anti-graft agency over allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

While confirming her arrest on Tuesday, her legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu stated that the business woman was arrested at approximately 5 a.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to a report by NAN, a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had on Monday ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, and to also appear before the court on Wednesday.

According to Ojukwu, their client had arrived voluntarily from London to honour the invitation from the EFCC before her arrest by operatives of the commission.

“In the light of what transpired in court on Monday, our client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.”

He also stated that her lawyer had informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday that she would visit the EFCC on Tuesday.

Ojukwu further explained that the planned visit was in connection with the ongoing investigations into the alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering brought against her.

He also revealed that Achimugu has immediately gone on a hunger strike as she is a prisoner of conscience.

“She has immediately gone on a hunger strike. She is a prisoner of conscience and our stand in the arrest is that it has run contrary to the rule of law,” he said.

NAN reports that all efforts to reach out to the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale proved abortive as the phone remained unanswered after several calls.