EFCC Declares Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu Wanted for Alleged Money Laundering
posted 28th March 2025
EFCC Declares Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu Wanted for Alleged Money Laundering
Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a 51-year-old indigene of Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi State, wanted in connection with an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The announcement was made public through a notice issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Friday.
According to the EFCC, Achimugu’s last known address is 6C, Rudoff Close, Maitama, Abuja. The commission has urged anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact its offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja. Alternatively, the public can reach out via the EFCC’s dedicated phone line, 08093322644, or email at info@efcc.gov.ng, as well as report to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
Achimugu’s alleged involvement in financial crimes has sparked significant attention, particularly due to her reported links to political figures. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved swiftly to distance itself from any financial transactions involving Achimugu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly in relation to the 2023 general election. In a statement released earlier this week, the PDP clarified that it had no knowledge of or involvement in any dealings between Achimugu and Sanwo-Olu, emphasising that the party was not connected to any financial misconduct tied to the election.
The EFCC’s pursuit of Achimugu comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of financial dealings linked to political figures in Nigeria, with the commission intensifying its efforts to combat money laundering and corruption. Achimugu’s case has raised questions about the broader political implications, particularly in Lagos, where Governor Sanwo-Olu has been a prominent figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a key ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The unfolding situation has led to speculation about whether Governor Sanwo-Olu may be losing the support of the Tinubu-led political establishment in Lagos. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a dominant force in the state’s politics for decades, has long been a kingmaker in the region, with significant influence over the APC’s operations in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who secured a second term in the 2023 election, has generally been viewed as a loyal protégé of Tinubu. However, the allegations surrounding Achimugu and the PDP’s statement distancing itself from any financial transactions involving the governor have cast a shadow over his administration. While there is no direct evidence linking Sanwo-Olu to Achimugu’s alleged crimes, the mere association—however tenuous—could be politically damaging in a state where public perception and political loyalty are paramount.
However, as of now, there is no concrete indication that Sanwo-Olu has lost favour with Tinubu or his allies. The governor has maintained a relatively strong public approval rating, particularly for his handling of infrastructure projects and urban development in Lagos.
Nevertheless, the EFCC’s investigation into Achimugu and the political undertones of the case will likely keep Sanwo-Olu under scrutiny. For now, the governor appears to remain in good standing with the Tinubu political cohort, but any further developments in this case could test the strength of that alliance.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing Achimugu and bringing her to justice, urging the public to assist in providing any information that could lead to her arrest. As the investigation continues, the political and legal ramifications of this case are likely to reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
