https://guardian.ng/news/lawyers-to-challenge-efccs-allegations-wanted-notice-raids-on-aisha-achimugu/

A group of 20 constitutional lawyers and activists, led by Barrister Okere Kingdom, has announced plans to initiate multiple legal actions to challenge what they describe as baseless allegations leveled against businesswoman Aisha Achimugu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The legal team seeks to overturn accusations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, as well as to contest the declaration of Achimugu as a wanted person and the raids conducted on her properties.

The EFCC had, on Friday, declared Achimugu wanted, with the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, making the announcement via a circular posted on the commission’s official X handle.

The agency alleges her involvement in a case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

However, in a statement, the group of constitutional lawyers described the EFCC’s actions as unjust and politically motivated, arguing that Achimugu is a victim of state-sponsored intimidation.

“We are commencing multiple legal actions to quash the baseless allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering against a foremost successful businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu,” the statement read. “The coordinated attempt to undermine the rights and integrity of a woman who has invested so much in Nigeria and built an international business cannot be tolerated. This is a clear case of organized intimidation and the misuse of state power for political reasons to frame a hardworking woman who is not a politician.”

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The lawyers further condemned the EFCC for its swift action in raiding Achimugu’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, shortly after declaring her wanted, alleging that her aged mother was harassed during the operation. They claim similar intimidation tactics were used at her Maitama residence.

“It is curious that EFCC, just hours after this declaration, invaded Aisha’s house in Asokoro, Abuja, where they harassed her aged mother and continued with similar despicable acts at her house in Maitama,” the group stated. “This violation of a citizen’s fundamental human rights and the intimidation of her family members and staff is dragging Nigeria back to the dark days. We will not fold our arms and let it happen.”

The legal consortium has vowed to commence legal proceedings this week to put an end to what they describe as an unjust persecution and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation and business interests of Achimugu.

“The legal battle which will commence this week will put an end to these unjust persecutions and the deliberate plot to destroy the integrity and business expansion of a successful industrialist and businesswoman,” the lawyers stated.

The case is expected to generate significant legal and public interest as the battle between Achimugu and the EFCC unfolds.