The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arrested businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

It also arrested popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, for allegedly abusing the legal tender. Sources within the commission said E-Money was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos for allegedly spraying United States dollars, an act said to violate the Foreign Exchange Act and was being flown to Abuja for questioning.

Achimugu had been declared wanted since last month by the EFCC over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. The Guardian sources revealed that Achimugu was arrested in the early hours of yesterday after her return from London.

The anti-graft agency source, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, noted: “We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to continue to walk freely. Second, the court said she must appear before us today. We were not restricted from arresting her; what the court said was if she comes, she should not be detained.

“How are you sure she would appear before us today? Now that we have seen her, we have cause to ensure she appears.” EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was yet to respond to calls and messages seeking comment on the development.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ordered Achimugu to appear before EFCC yesterday to answer questions regarding an ongoing investigation. The judge also directed that she must appear before the court today.

The order was made in a ruling delivered on Monday, April 28, 2025, in respect of a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), EFCC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

In response to Achimugu’s application, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court of a counter-affidavit deposed to by one of its investigators, Chris Odofin, outlining the circumstances leading to her invitation.

Odofin, in the affidavit, disclosed that Achimugu was under investigation for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption and possession of property reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

Achimugu had initially honoured the commission’s invitation on February 12, 2024, during which she made a written statement and was subsequently granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington Ozurumba. However, she allegedly failed to report back as agreed, choosing instead to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the commission.