Ohanaeze Youths flay EFCC’s action against Aisha Achimugu, say it’s unjust persecution

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what it describes as the unfair treatment of socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.

The group has also raised concerns over the manner in which EFCC operatives conducted a raid on Achimugu’s residence in Abuja.

A widely circulated video recently surfaced online, appearing to show EFCC officials at the Achimugus’ family home. This development followed the commission’s decision to declare Achimugu wanted.

Reports further allege that her 80-year-old mother was mistreated during the operation, made to sit on the bare floor, and denied water despite her pleas.

In a statement issued on Sunday, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, condemned the EFCC’s decision to declare Achimugu wanted shortly after she was invited for questioning.

Okwu stated that findings by the group revealed that Achimugu’s legal representatives had already been in contact with the EFCC regarding the invitation. However, despite this, the commission went ahead to declare her wanted, even though the allegations against her remain unproven.

“This development clearly smacks of a premeditated agenda to embarrass and discredit her personality. What else could justify the haste for an alleged crime to warrant being declared wanted just some days after she was invited by the commission?” he said.

“Mrs. Achimugu is a global figure, not a politician, and a recipient of both national honors and the U.S. President’s award. This caliber of a person can never go into hiding.

“The fact that she is currently out of the country when the EFCC extended an invitation to her does not warrant their hasty declaration on an alleged case without a competent court sanctioning such action.

“This is utterly reprehensible, and we urge that the EFCC should not continue to be used as a tool for political witch-hunting.

“Mrs. Achimugu is an established, decent, and well-to-do businesswoman who respects the laws and humanity and comes from a respected family. Her source of wealth has never been a subject of controversy.

“We want to declare that her rights should be respected; her contributions to the growth of citizens and the nation should not be ignored. The EFCC should withdraw the wanted tag on her.”

Citing Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Police Act, Okwu argued that Nigerian law prohibits arrests by proxy.

“The reported invitation and declaration of Mrs. Achimugu is unlawful and a gross violation of the provisions of Nigeria’s relevant laws. We had waited to see whether the commission would make a turn, but its silence means that they are bent on tarnishing her image for someone who is private and law-abiding.”

He further described the EFCC’s actions as an unacceptable breach of due process.

“This is worrisome and should be condemned in totality. There is no justification for their actions. This is a gross illegality.

“We recall that the EFCC did announce that it would stop this kind of raid, but it appears that nothing has changed. This crude method of arrest defies all logic and legality.

“All these go to show that there is more to this than meets the eye. It is, albeit political, pure harassment to satisfy certain interests.

“Having said this, we urge the Chairman of the EFCC, who pledged before now to reform the commission, to direct the operatives to act right and let the law take its due course without further delay or embarrassment.”

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