What’s Happening?
Dr. Aisha Achimugu, the Group Managing Director and CEO of FELAK Concept Group, has been the subject of rumors alleging her arrest or investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, her media aide, Mr. David Abakpa, has vehemently denied these claims, calling them “fake and unfounded.”
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Abakpa dismissed the rumors as a sponsored media campaign aimed at tarnishing Achimugu’s reputation. He challenged the sources of the rumors to provide evidence of any arrest warrant or investigation by the EFCC, emphasizing that Achimugu is a law-abiding citizen with no issues with the anti-graft agency.
The Allegations: A Sponsored Smear Campaign?
The rumors began circulating on social media, with some reports claiming that Achimugu had escaped arrest by the EFCC and fled the country. Abakpa described these claims as baseless and accused “mushroom media platforms” of spreading falsehood for clickbait.
“It is petty that some mushroom media platforms known for clickbait are being used to propagate falsehood against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who is earning and attracting a highly esteemed reputation for Nigeria and Nigerians internationally,” the statement read.
EFCC’s Professionalism Called Into Question
Abakpa also questioned the credibility of the rumors, pointing out that the EFCC is a reputable agency known for its professionalism. He argued that the EFCC would not disclose information about an arrest or investigation to the media before completing its due process.
“The EFCC is known for its professionalism in handling financial crimes. EFCC doesn’t disclose information of arrest to newsmen until investigation is completed. So it is strange that masked EFCC officials under anonymity allegedly disclose to an online media platform of its plan to arrest a law-abiding Nigerian,” he said.
A Call for Evidence
Abakpa challenged the media outlets spreading the rumors to provide concrete evidence, such as an arrest warrant or a letter of invitation from the EFCC. He also dismissed the claim that Achimugu traveled out of the country to evade arrest, describing it as laughable.
“Let the media house publish the purported arrest warrant or the letter of invitation issued against Dr. Achimugu as claimed. Anybody on the EFCC watchlist cannot just fly out of the country without being arrested by security agents at the airport, in the first place,” he stated.
Achimugu’s Reputation and Contributions
The statement highlighted Achimugu’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and her recognition as a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) national honor. Abakpa described her as a hardworking businesswoman who travels globally for legitimate business purposes.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hard-working businesswoman who is always tirelessly flying across the globe on business trips. It’s, therefore, laughable to say that she traveled out of the country to escape arrest,” he said.
Why This Matters
The rumors surrounding Achimugu’s alleged arrest raise important questions about the role of social media and the press in spreading unverified information. They also highlight the challenges faced by public figures in protecting their reputations from smear campaigns.
For Achimugu, a respected entrepreneur and national honoree, these allegations could have significant implications for her business and personal reputation. Her aide’s swift response underscores the importance of addressing such claims head-on to prevent lasting damage.
What’s Next?
The focus now shifts to the media outlets and individuals behind the rumors. Will they provide evidence to support their claims, or will the allegations fade away as baseless gossip? Meanwhile, Achimugu’s team has made it clear that they will not tolerate attempts to tarnish her reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Aisha Achimugu’s aide has denied rumors of her arrest or investigation by the EFCC.
- The rumors are described as a sponsored smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation.
- The EFCC’s professionalism and procedures were cited to debunk the claims.
- Achimugu’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and her OFR honor were highlighted.
- The media outlets spreading the rumors were challenged to provide evidence.
