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Aisha Achimugu Dismisses Sanwo-Olu Link To Her Success

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Aisha Achimugu

Aisha Achimugu self-made businesswoman wealth defended as she denies Sanwo-Olu link and explains her business background amid EFCC case

Nigerian businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, has described herself as a self-made entrepreneur, strongly denying claims that her wealth is connected to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Also read: EFCC presents socialite Aisha Achimugu in court following arrest

Aisha Achimugu said her business journey began in 2001 and insisted that her success was built independently through legitimate commercial activities.

The remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny following a series of controversies surrounding her finances and business dealings, including a widely publicised 50th birthday celebration held in Grenada in January 2024, which was attended by prominent Nigerian figures, including Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Over a year later, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared her wanted over allegations of money laundering.

She was later arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in April 2025.

In March 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million allegedly linked to Achimugu and her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, after ruling that the funds were proceeds of fraud.

Her firm has since indicated plans to appeal the judgment.

Addressing the allegations, Achimugu rejected claims that the forfeited sum was recovered from her residence, insisting that only personal and family-related funds were found during a search.

“My house was raided. Only $50,000 and N13 million belonging to my mom was found in my house and my personal belongings,” she said.

She added: “I don’t know where Nigeria got the impression that I have $13 million in my house. I’m not a bank. I won’t keep $13 million in my house.”

On her business operations, Achimugu stated that her company acquired its oil block through what she described as a transparent and competitive bidding process, stressing that ownership rests with Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd.

When questioned about her relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu and his presence at her birthday celebration, she said her access to high-profile individuals is a result of her business success and social standing.

“I have always had access to power and governance. I’m a known Nigerian. I have friends, and I have done well,” she said.

She maintained that the governor’s attendance at her event was purely social, adding that her network includes individuals across different sectors of influence.

Achimugu also dismissed suggestions that her wealth originated from political connections, stating firmly: “Not at all.”

Also read: Champion Extraordinaire: Aisha Achimugu Blazing onward at 52

She further explained that her entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 and referenced her background and early professional exposure in the oil and gas sector as key to her success.

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Wema Bank Opens Final Window for One-Day MD/CEO Challenge Ahead of Children’s Day

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Wema Bank Children’s Day entries close on May 20 as the bank invites children to compete for a one-day MD/CEO experience

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XM Future Music Group Investment Platform Allegedly Collapses, Users Lose Funds

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Nigerian investment platform XM Future Music Group collapses amid concerns leaves users unable to withdraw funds amid concerns over suspected Ponzi scheme promising high returns

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group Signs $300 million Deal With Accor to Develop Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group has signed a letter of intent with Accor, a world leading hospitality group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

The signing took place during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 hosted jointly by Kenya and France in Nairobi.

This ambitious partnership is set to make a significant contribution to the evolving Nigerian hospitality landscape with a substantial investment from Shoreline of $300 million, leveraging Accor’s renowned brand portfolio and expertise.

As gathered the strategic collaboration aims to develop a hotel network across Nigeria, encompassing 10 hotels across eight cities and over 1,200 rooms by 2030.

These properties will span various segments, from midscale to luxury, catering to diverse travelers and contributing significantly to the nation’s tourism growth. The project also includes the establishment of a dedicated hospitality training Academy to nurture local talent and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs.

Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Shoreline Group to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector. This partnership is a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s dynamic future.

“By combining Shoreline’s deep understanding of the local market with Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio, we are poised to create an unparalleled hospitality offering that will set new benchmarks for quality and service.

“Crucially, the establishment of the Accor Academy is integral to this vision, enabling us to deliver immediate talent development for the Shoreline hotel portfolio, demonstrate our long-term commitment to Nigeria through dedicated training facilities, and solidify Accor’s position as the employer and educator of choice in West Africa.”

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland and  Chairman of Shoreline Group, Karim,  commenting on the development said: “This partnership is central to Shoreline’s strategy of building institutional-quality infrastructure platforms across Africa.

“We anticipate hospitality infrastructure becoming increasingly vital for capital movement and development, particularly in Nigeria where high-quality room supply is underserved. Our choice to partner with Accor highlights our focus on operational excellence and long-term value.

“The hospitality academy is crucial, alongside physical hotels, for developing local talent to sustain international standards. It will support our portfolio and enhance Nigeria’s hospitality workforce.

“This investment aligns with Shoreline’s broader focus on strategic assets in energy, infrastructure, and industrial development. We view hospitality as a natural extension: real infrastructure supporting economic activity, local capability, and national growth.”

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