The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a known ally of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wanted for her alleged involvement in a high-profile money laundering and criminal conspiracy case.
In an official notice issued Friday, the EFCC accused Achimugu of secretly channeling funds to opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 general elections. The anti-graft agency is now seeking public assistance to locate her, listing her last known address as 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC circular, signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, reads:
“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU… is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering. Achimugu, 51, hails from Ofu LGA, Kogi State. Anyone with useful information should contact any EFCC office or the nearest police station.”
This declaration follows an exclusive report, which revealed that President Bola Tinubu was “furious and betrayed” upon learning that Sanwo-Olu’s ally had allegedly funneled financial support to key opposition leaders. Sources suggest that Tinubu viewed this act as a political betrayal with potential consequences for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s future in office.
A senior government official reportedly told Peoples Gazette. “The president was hurt by this revelation. It’s one of the rare times he’s taken a political betrayal personally.”
Investigations allegedly traced significant financial transactions from Achimugu to both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar after the presidential elections, further raising suspicions about Sanwo-Olu’s loyalty to the president.
Some insiders believe the funds may have been a form of political compromise to secure Sanwo-Olu’s re-election after Tinubu’s unexpected loss in Lagos during the 2023 presidential vote.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, long considered a close political protégé of Tinubu, is now at the centre of an unfolding political crisis. Analysts say the EFCC’s action may signal the presidency’s readiness to distance itself from the Lagos governor.
In a related political twist, Reporters earlier reported on March 14 that President Tinubu admitted intervening in the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He was reportedly alarmed by the influence Sanwo-Olu was exerting over the state’s legislative leadership.
An unnamed official said:
“Governor Sanwo-Olu should have known he couldn’t get away with quietly aligning with politicians who oppose the president’s agenda.”
Atiku Reacts, Denies Allegations
In a swift reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed the allegations as “a blatant lie from the pit of hell.” Through his media office, Atiku stated that the claims were “a political hatchet job” aimed at tarnishing his image and undermining Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“These claims are fabricated nonsense… a distraction to remove Sanwo-Olu from political favour,” the statement read, adding that the allegations were meant to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
As the investigation intensifies, all eyes remain on the EFCC and the political fallout that could shape the dynamics of Nigeria’s political elite ahead of the next general elections.
