Aisha Achimugu Denies Sanwo-Olu Link, Speaks on EFCC Case, $13m Forfeiture Battle

Businesswoman and founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, Aisha Achimugu, has strongly denied claims that her wealth is linked to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, insisting she is a self-made entrepreneur who built her business empire from 2001.

She made the clarification during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, amid ongoing public scrutiny of her finances and a legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Achimugu said her entrepreneurial journey began long before she became widely known, stressing that her success was achieved through years of private sector work and legitimate business activities.

“I started my business in 2001. My background is a decent family. My late husband was the MD of PPMCC. I met him in the course of the work. I actually met him doing business in NNPC,” she said.

When asked directly whether her wealth was linked to Governor Sanwo-Olu or any influential associates, she firmly denied the allegation, stating: “Not at all.”

Public Attention After Grenada Birthday Celebration

Achimugu first came under intense public attention in January 2024 after hosting a lavish seven-day 50th birthday celebration in Grenada.

The event attracted prominent Nigerian entertainers, business leaders, and political figures, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, sparking widespread speculation about the source of her wealth.

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She, however, maintained that her connections to high-profile individuals are a result of her professional standing and not political influence or financial dependence.

EFCC Arrest and $13m Forfeiture Order

In April 2025, the EFCC declared Achimugu wanted over allegations of money laundering before she was later arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

By March 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a final forfeiture order of $13 million allegedly linked to her company, a ruling she is currently appealing.

The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, held that the EFCC had proven the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Her company has since filed an appeal, with the case still ongoing in court.

“I’m Not a Bank” — Achimugu Rejects Claims

Reacting to the forfeiture allegations, Achimugu declined to go into full detail due to the ongoing litigation but strongly denied possessing such funds.

“My house was raided. Only $50,000 and N13 million belonging to my mom was found in my house and my personal belongings,” she said.

“I don’t know where Nigeria got the impression that I have $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank. I won’t keep $13 million in my house.”

Oil Block and Business Operations

On claims surrounding her company’s oil block, Achimugu said it was acquired through a transparent and competitive bidding process in the oil and gas sector.

She insisted that her business operations are legitimate and based on structured investments rather than political connections or influence.

“My Wealth Is Not Political” — Achimugu

Addressing her relationships with political figures, Achimugu said her access to influential individuals has often been misunderstood.

“I have always had access to power and governance. I’m a known Nigerian. I have friends, and I have done well,” she said.

She added that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s presence at her birthday event was incidental, noting that he was among several invited guests.

“I’m an entrepreneur and business owner. Having to know those who will increase my portfolio is very important to me. It is not about Governor Sanwo-Olu at all,” she added.

Aisha Achimugu Denies Sanwo-Olu Link, Speaks on EFCC Case, $13m Forfeiture Battle

Police Reject ₦100m Bribe, Arrest Two Over Stolen Railway Materials in Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rejected a ₦100 million bribe and intercepted about 60 tonnes of vandalised railway materials in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, during a major intelligence-led operation against infrastructure vandalism.

The operation was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) following credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of two suspects on April 9, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22), were arrested while allegedly transporting stolen railway materials concealed inside a trailer truck.

Police said the intercepted items included railway tracks and sleepers, which were hidden under sacks of groundnut shells in an attempt to evade detection during transportation.

According to preliminary investigations, the truck was conveying the stolen materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, suggesting an organised network involved in the movement of vandalised railway infrastructure across states.

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The probe also revealed that the driver of the trailer was allegedly paid ₦2.5 million to transport the stolen railway components, pointing to a structured criminal arrangement behind the operation.

Security sources further stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover a wider syndicate believed to be responsible for the theft and distribution of railway materials for illegal resale.

During the interception, the suspects reportedly attempted to offer a ₦100 million bribe to the operatives in order to secure their release and allow the truck to pass.

However, the officers rejected the offer and proceeded with the arrest and seizure of both the suspects and the loaded truck.

The Nigeria Police Force said the rejection of the bribe demonstrates the professionalism and integrity of the operatives involved in the operation.

The Force also confirmed that the trailer truck used in transporting the stolen materials has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

Investigators believe the case is part of a broader pattern of organised vandalism targeting critical national infrastructure, particularly railway assets that are often stolen and sold as scrap metal.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the officers for their conduct, describing their actions as a reflection of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to national security.

The suspects are expected to be prosecuted upon completion of ongoing investigations.

Police Reject ₦100m Bribe, Arrest Two Over Stolen Railway Materials in Nasarawa

EFCC Alleges Buhari Signature Forged in $6.23m Emefiele Fraud Trial

A major development has emerged in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were allegedly forged to facilitate the release of $6.23 million.

The allegation was made during proceedings in the case marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, where Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence.

EFCC Assistant Commander II, Chinedu Eneanya, who testified as the 13th prosecution witness, told the court that investigators discovered how the funds were allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria under the claim that they were meant to finance foreign election observers during the 2023 general elections.

He said a special investigative team was constituted after the transaction raised concerns, leading to the recovery of documents from the CBN which now form part of the prosecution’s evidence.

According to him, forensic analysis conducted on the documents showed that the signatures attributed to Buhari and Boss Mustapha were not genuine, suggesting they were falsified to authorise the release of public funds.

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The EFCC maintained that the alleged forgery was part of a broader scheme used to move government funds under false pretences.

However, under cross-examination by defence counsel Mathew Burkaa (SAN), the witness admitted that no forensic examination was carried out on Emefiele’s own signature, despite concerns raised by the defence that it may also have been forged.

He also confirmed that five Central Bank officials endorsed the internal memo that approved the release of the funds. He told the court that those officials are not standing trial alongside Emefiele, as they were only suspended by the CBN.

The witness further stated that he did not personally obtain any statement from the former CBN governor and admitted that there was no direct evidence before him showing that Emefiele personally received the funds in question.

Emefiele’s defence team criticised the prosecution’s approach, arguing that the repeated testimony of investigating officers amounted to duplication of evidence and unnecessary delay.

The defence also urged the court to close the prosecution’s case if it fails to produce its remaining witnesses, accusing the EFCC of wasting judicial time and repeating similar testimonies.

In response, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) urged the court not to terminate the case, stating that additional witnesses, including Jim Obessa and CP Eloho Okpozikbo, were expected to testify.

He assured the court that the EFCC remained committed to a fair and speedy trial and would complete its presentation of evidence.

Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, advised both parties to reserve their detailed arguments for final written addresses and directed the prosecution to ensure the attendance of its remaining witnesses.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 28 for continuation of trial. Emefiele has continued to deny all allegations against him.

EFCC Alleges Buhari Signature Forged in $6.23m Emefiele Fraud Trial