The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two suspects accused of impersonating its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, allegedly attempted to extort $1 million from a former top government official under the pretense of an EFCC investigation.
The EFCC revealed that the two men approached Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), claiming that he was under investigation by the agency.
According to the EFCC, the suspects assured Bello-Koko that they could “resolve” his supposed indictment for $1 million, promising to prevent prosecution.
The agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed in a statement that the duo was arrested in Abuja.
Oyewale stated, “The EFCC apprehended the suspects on August 28, 2024, at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.”
He explained that the EFCC had been tipped off about the scheme, prompting an undercover operation that led to the suspects’ capture.
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against Joshua and Hashim for fraud and impersonation.
One of the charges reads, “On or about September 28, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, you, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, attempted to fraudulently obtain $700,000 from Mohammed Bello-Koko.”
The charge continued, “You falsely represented that there was a pending EFCC petition against him, which you could influence the Chairman to halt. This act violates Section 8(b) and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”
Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Following the plea, EFCC’s counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, requested that the defendants be held in custody while awaiting trial.
Alabi stated, “We urge the court to detain the defendants in a correctional facility and ask for a date to begin presenting our witnesses.”
The defense counsel, Obinna S. Nwosu, representing the first defendant, requested that the court release his client on bail.
Peter Oriobe, representing the second defendant, also made an oral application for bail, which was met with strong opposition from the prosecution.
Alabi opposed the bail requests, citing the high-profile nature of the case and referencing a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit and key evidence marked as Exhibit EFCC 1.
She urged the court to deny bail and prioritize a speedy trial to bring justice.
Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant on strict conditions, setting bail at N100 million with two sureties who must be at least level 16 officers in the civil service.
Additionally, the sureties must present their appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written guarantee to ensure the defendant attends each court session.
The court further directed the first defendant to surrender his passport as part of the bail requirements.
Until the bail conditions are met, both defendants will be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
The court also postponed the second defendant’s bail application hearing to November 18, 2024.
Justice Onwuebuzie emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the importance of preventing further impersonation incidents targeting EFCC officials.
Impersonation and fraud are rising concerns for the EFCC, which continues to battle sophisticated schemes targeting high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals across Nigeria.
