25/07/2026
Civil Society Coalition Seeks Review of Court-Ordered Forfeiture of Aisha Achimugu's Assets
Abuja — The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria has called for a comprehensive review of the legal process that led to the court-ordered permanent forfeiture of assets belonging to prominent businesswoman and investor, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Amb. Timothy Ihemadu, National Secretary, Comrade Peter Nwokolo, and National Publicity Secretary, Chief Aare Oluwasegun Oyedijo, JP, said its position followed what it described as an independent review of developments surrounding the case, including an advertorial published by Achimugu in The Guardian and Nigerian Champion newspapers on July 21, 2026.
According to the group, its findings raised concerns over due process, fairness, human rights, and the potential impact of the case on Nigeria's investment climate and women's participation in business.
The coalition expressed concern over what it described as procedural irregularities in the legal process leading to the forfeiture order, stressing that the rule of law requires that every citizen be afforded a fair hearing and all constitutional safeguards.
It also criticised reports of the invasion of Achimugu's private residence in the presence of her elderly mother and minor children, arguing that law enforcement operations should be conducted with due regard for human dignity, family privacy and established legal procedures.
The organisation further warned against what it described as a growing pattern of profiling successful women entrepreneurs, particularly within the oil and gas industry, a sector it noted remains largely male-dominated.
According to the coalition, discouraging women who have built businesses through years of investment and enterprise could undermine efforts to promote gender inclusion and damage Nigeria's international reputation as an investment destination.
The group also highlighted Achimugu's contributions to national development, noting that her business interests reportedly employ thousands of Nigerians while supporting educational initiatives, scholarship programmes and community development projects across the country.
While reiterating its support for the fight against corruption, the coalition maintained that anti-corruption efforts must always be pursued within the confines of the law and in strict observance of fundamental human rights.
It therefore urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to review the processes leading to the forfeiture in order to ensure full compliance with due process and fairness.
The coalition also called on the judiciary to ensure that all available appeals and legal remedies are heard transparently and without prejudice, while urging government and other stakeholders to safeguard an enabling environment for legitimate businesses, particularly those led by women.
The group advocated restorative justice as an approach that balances accountability with respect for human dignity, arguing that justice should focus not only on punishment but also on fairness, transparency and the protection of constitutional rights.
"Nigeria needs more job creators, not fewer," the coalition stated, warning against creating an atmosphere where legitimate business success could be perceived as a liability.
The organisation concluded by appealing for calm and urging all parties to respect the rule of law while ensuring that accountability is pursued alongside justice, fairness and compassion.
