Achimugu Denies Ties with Sanwo-Olu, Refutes $13m EFCC Raid Claim

Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has denied having any personal relationship with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while also dismissing claims that $13 million was recovered from her residence during an alleged raid.

Appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television, she described both claims as inaccurate and misleading.

Reacting to suggestions that Sanwo-Olu played a role in her business success, Achimugu said:
“Does he work there? Who said he is my friend? Let me start with my background. I have always had friends in power, and I have done well. I have not done anything that will make anyone stay away from me. When I had my 40th birthday, I had my governor friends there. From the day I had my 40th birthday, I started preparing for my 50th birthday. Governor Sanwo-Olu was one of the attendees; he happened to be around the island where I had my birthday. I was so busy knowing those who were there because it was all about me.”

She explained that networking is part of her business strategy rather than a personal affiliation.
“I am an entrepreneur, I am a business owner and I am a business developer; having to know those who will increase my business portfolio is very important to me. So, it is not about Governor Sanwo-Olu at all.”

Achimugu also addressed the controversy over alleged funds recovered from her home, stating that the widely reported $13 million claim was incorrect.

She said:
“First, I won’t go into the details of $13 million because the matter is in court and it would be subjudice for me to talk about a matter in court, but I still believe in our judicial system. I know that the right decision will be made in due time.

“Let me correct the impression that $13 million was not found in my house when my house was raided. Let me also correct the impression that what was published on the website of the EFCC said a certain state. So I want to believe that it is not Lagos State.

“My house was raided, but only $50,000 and N13 million belonging to my mum were found and my personal belongings. I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that $13 million was found in my house. I am not a bank and I won’t keep $13 million in my house. I have kids who go to school abroad, and it is important that you have such currencies at home for emergencies. That was why I had the money at home.”

On her oil and gas business, she said her company secured an oil bloc through a transparent bidding process conducted in Lagos.

“There was a bid that happened in 2023, and there was another mini bid round that happened in 2024, so we participated in the process… we won the process. It was a transparent process.”

She concluded that no individual assisted her in winning the bid.
“It was a public bidding and a transparent process, which was done in Lagos.”

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