Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, in compliance with a court order.
Achimugu, who was escorted by two female EFCC officers, arrived at the court premises at approximately 11:35 am, according to The News Agency of Nigeria.
Justice Inyang Ekwo had issued an order on Monday, directing the industrialist, who was suspected of fleeing the country, to honour the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday at noon.
Justice Ekwo, in a brief ruling, also directed the EFCC to bring Achimugu back to court on Wednesday after her appearance at the agency’s office for a report.
It was later reported that Achimugu had been arrested by EFCC operatives upon her arrival abroad at around 5 am and was subsequently held in custody.
A statement from her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, revealed that the business mogul began a hunger strike immediately after her arrest to protest against the “wrongful arrest”.
According to Ojukwu, Achimugu’s arrest contradicted the understanding presented in court, as she had notified the judge of her intention to report to the EFCC on Tuesday.
“In light of the court proceedings on Monday, our client returned on the strength of an undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation. Shockingly, she was arrested at the airport before she could do so,” Ojukwu said.
“Immediately after her arrest, she declared a hunger strike. This is a protest against what we consider an affront to the rule of law. She is now a prisoner of conscience.”
