Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of harassment, intimidation and abuse of legal processes, claiming the agency’s actions have placed her life, family and businesses at risk.
Achimugu, the founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, made the allegations in a statement issued on Wednesday. She maintained that she had not been convicted of any crime and accused the anti-graft agency of publicly portraying her as a criminal before the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings.
“I am not a criminal, and I have never been convicted of any offence,” she said.
Achimugu alleged that the EFCC’s investigations, public statements, asset seizures and court applications had damaged her reputation, disrupted her businesses and caused her to lose financing and investment opportunities.
She also claimed that the developments had affected her children, parents, employees and other people connected to her businesses.
Statement Follows Court-Ordered Asset Forfeiture
Achimugu’s statement came days after the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, ordered the final forfeiture of assets linked to her to the Federal Government.
The assets included jewellery valued at approximately N4.65 billion, 11 luxury vehicles worth about N4.29 billion, $50,000 and N30 million in cash.
The court granted the final forfeiture application after hearing arguments from the EFCC and Achimugu’s legal team. According to the EFCC, the court held that she had not sufficiently established that the assets were acquired from lawful sources.
Earlier in 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Achimugu and Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited.
The EFCC had argued that the money was connected to unlawful activities. Achimugu and her company disputed that position.
Achimugu Disputes EFCC’s Account of $13 Million
Achimugu maintained that the $13 million was not connected to criminal activity but formed part of a $20 million payment made by Oceangate to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
According to her, the payment was connected to the acquisition of Petroleum Prospecting Licences PPL 302-DO and PPL 3007.
She said the company paid $2 million and $5 million through a South African bank into accounts designated by the NUPRC. She described the disputed $13 million as the balance of the company’s combined payment for the two petroleum assets.
Achimugu said documentary evidence relating to the transactions had been submitted to the regulator. She added that the forfeiture ruling had been challenged at the Court of Appeal and that she was awaiting the outcome.
The EFCC has maintained that its court applications followed financial investigations into transactions and assets allegedly connected to unlawful activities.
Businesswoman Alleges Home Raids and Intimidation
Achimugu also accused the EFCC of declaring her wanted despite knowing her location and communicating with her through her lawyers.
She claimed that about 30 armed operatives entered her residence shortly after the wanted notice was issued and removed jewellery, safes and personal funds.
She further alleged that members of her family were intimidated during the operation.
According to Achimugu, her elderly mother had recently returned from spinal surgery abroad but was made to remain seated for several hours while the search was conducted.
These claims have not been independently established in court.
Achimugu said EFCC operatives returned to the residence on January 20, 2026, and removed vehicles found on the premises using cranes and flatbed trucks.
She alleged that the officers did not properly establish the ownership of the vehicles or take sufficient steps to prevent them from being damaged.
She said she subsequently approached the court to seek the return of the vehicles and other belongings, but the EFCC obtained another forfeiture order relating to the assets.
Achimugu Claims Investigation Affected International Travel
The businesswoman also claimed that publicity surrounding the EFCC investigation affected her ability to travel internationally.
She alleged that her United States visa was revoked shortly after the commission declared her wanted.
Achimugu further claimed that she encountered difficulties obtaining a visa with her Grenadian passport. According to her, this prevented her from attending an executive programme at Harvard University.
She said the travel restrictions, frozen accounts and negative publicity had caused financial losses and disrupted several business opportunities.
Achimugu maintained that she had cooperated with the authorities, responded to invitations and remained willing to face any lawful investigation provided that due process was respected.
She called on the judiciary, National Assembly, human rights organisations and other relevant institutions to examine the EFCC’s conduct and ensure that her rights were protected.
EFCC Defends Investigation and Forfeiture Actions
The EFCC has consistently maintained that its actions were based on investigations into alleged money laundering, unexplained financial transactions and proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission said its investigation examined financial movements across numerous bank accounts allegedly connected to Achimugu and companies associated with her.
It also alleged that investigators recovered the jewellery, vehicles and cash during the execution of search warrants at her residence.
According to the EFCC, the assets later became the subject of court-supervised interim and final forfeiture proceedings.
Achimugu has denied wrongdoing and continues to challenge parts of the commission’s case through the courts.
The EFCC had not publicly responded to her latest allegations of intimidation and rights violations at the time of reporting.