Juliet Ezeh
Businesswoman and socialite Aisha Achimugu has rejected widespread reports claiming that $13 million was discovered during a search of her residence, insisting that the amount recovered by operatives was significantly smaller.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Monday, Achimugu clarified that only $50,000 in foreign currency and N13 million in naira were found during the operation, adding that the cash belonged to her mother.
She said the viral figure of $13 million circulating in the media and online was false, misleading, and not supported by facts from the raid carried out at her home.
According to her, the misrepresentation of the alleged amount has created unnecessary public misunderstanding about her finances and the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
The controversy follows an earlier declaration by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had listed Achimugu as wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The anti-graft agency had also conducted a search operation at her residence as part of its ongoing investigation into the case. However, conflicting reports emerged afterward regarding what was allegedly recovered, with some claims suggesting large sums of foreign currency were found on the premises.
Addressing the issue directly, Achimugu dismissed those claims and insisted that no such amount was ever discovered in her home.
“My house was raided, yes, but only $50,000 and N13 million naira belonging to my mom was found in my house, along with my personal belongings,” she said during the interview.
She further questioned the source of the widely circulated $13 million figure, stating that she does not understand how such information became public knowledge.
“I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank, so I won’t keep $13 million in my house,” she added.
Achimugu also explained that she has responsibilities that require her to maintain access to legitimate funds, particularly in foreign currency, noting that she has children studying abroad.
According to her, it is normal for parents with international financial obligations to keep money in accessible forms for emergencies and educational expenses.
She, however, declined to go into further detail about the ongoing allegations against her, stressing that the matter is already before a court of law.
“It will be prejudicial for me to talk about what is already in court. I still believe strongly in our judicial system in Nigeria, and I know the right decisions will be made at the appropriate time,” she said.
The businesswoman’s remarks come amid heightened public interest in the case, which has generated widespread debate on social media and within financial crime discussions in the country.
The EFCC has not publicly confirmed the exact amount recovered during the raid, but its earlier position that Achimugu was wanted in connection with alleged financial crimes has remained unchanged.
The agency’s investigation reportedly forms part of a broader effort to track suspected illicit financial flows and enforce compliance with anti-money laundering laws in Nigeria.
While the case continues to attract attention, Achimugu’s latest comments appear aimed at correcting what she describes as misinformation surrounding the raid and her alleged financial activities.
The matter is expected to continue in court as investigations progress.