A coalition of civil society groups has called for the immediate reassignment of the ongoing legal proceedings involving Nigerian businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, raising concerns over the neutrality and transparency of the case currently handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Achimugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, was declared wanted by the EFCC in March 2025 on allegations of money laundering and criminal conspiracy. The Commission claimed she failed to honor a formal invitation for questioning before traveling out of the country, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.

However, the Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy (CSJCD), alongside other rights-based organizations, has questioned the EFCC’s approach, describing it as hasty, politically motivated, and inconsistent with due process.

The group argued that the Commission’s handling of the matter undermines the principle of fairness and may reflect deeper political undercurrents.

Binta Adeshola, a prominent human rights advocate, stated that the situation “amounts to a betrayal of justice and womanhood,” emphasizing Achimugu’s track record as a philanthropist and reputable entrepreneur. She insisted that justice must not only be done, but be seen to be done—calling for an independent review of the case.

The Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the EFCC to release Achimugu from custody within 24 hours, ruling that her fundamental human rights had been breached during the process of her detention. This ruling has intensified public scrutiny of the Commission’s actions.

In a parallel development, Achimugu’s legal team announced plans to challenge both the EFCC’s allegations and the legality of the agency’s procedures. They described the investigation as an act of “state-sponsored intimidation,” and have vowed to pursue redress through the courts.

Despite the mounting criticism, the EFCC has denied any political interference in the case. A spokesperson for the Commission maintained that the investigation is grounded purely in legal merit and has no connections to political actors.

As public pressure grows, civil society organizations are urging the judiciary and relevant oversight bodies to ensure the case is transferred to a new jurisdiction or investigative team, to restore public trust and guarantee an impartial outcome.