Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has dismissed reports claiming that $13 million was discovered in her residence during a raid by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisting the figures being circulated are inaccurate.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Achimugu said the amount actually found in her home was $50,000 and N13 million, which she explained belonged to her mother and personal savings.
According to her, the widely reported $13 million claim is misleading and has no basis in fact.
“My house was raided, yes, but only $50,000 and N13 million naira belonging to my mum was found, along with some personal belongings,” she said.
“I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank. I have children schooling abroad, so sometimes you keep funds for emergencies.”
Her comments come amid ongoing legal and investigative proceedings involving the EFCC, which had earlier declared her wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
In March, a Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, to the Federal Government.
The anti-graft agency had alleged that the company worked with unlicensed Bureau de Change operators and some bank officials to raise cash suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, used for payment of signature bonuses on two oil blocks acquired in 2024.
Addressing the matter, Achimugu declined to go into full detail, noting that the case is already before the court.
“I won’t go into too much detail because it’s a matter in court, and it would be prejudicial. I have strong faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and I believe the truth will come out,” she said.
She also questioned certain statements attributed to the EFCC online, saying she does not consider them a final legal position in the matter.
On the acquisition of the oil blocks, Achimugu maintained that her company, Oceangate Engineering, went through a transparent bidding process organised by the Federal Government and emerged successful in both rounds.
“We participated in the licensing rounds between 2022 and 2024 and won fairly. It was a public process, not selective,” she added.
