By Ghazali Ibrahim
Lagos socialite and Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd founder, Aisha Achimugu, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of persecution, intimidation and abuse of legal process, alleging that the agency’s actions have damaged her reputation and crippled her business.
In a statement on Wednesday, Achimugu denied any wrongdoing, insisting she had never been convicted of a criminal offence.
She alleged that the EFCC’s actions, including declaring her wanted and seizing her assets, had caused significant financial losses and affected her international travel.
Her statement comes days after an FCT High Court ordered the final forfeiture of assets linked to her, including jewellery valued at over N4.6 billion, 11 luxury vehicles worth about N4.29 billion, and cash.
The ruling followed an earlier Federal High Court order forfeiting $13 million linked to Achimugu and her company.
Achimugu said the forfeiture order is being challenged on appeal, maintaining that the $13 million was part of a legitimate payment made by her company to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for petroleum prospecting licences.
She also alleged that EFCC operatives raided her residence, seized personal property and intimidated members of her family despite ongoing court proceedings.
The EFCC has maintained that its actions are based on ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering and proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission has yet to respond to Achimugu’s latest allegations.
