The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, for impersonating the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a bid to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The two suspects were presented before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, facing charges of impersonation and attempted fraud under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to EFCC officials, Joshua and Hashim falsely claimed to be able to influence an ongoing investigation against Bello-Koko, demanding $1 million in exchange for securing a “soft landing” and preventing his prosecution.
On September 28, 2024, the duo attempted to extort $700,000, alleging they could halt a non-existent EFCC investigation.
Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the court proceedings, EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested their remand in custody pending trial.
The defense, however, applied for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to Joshua under stringent conditions, including a N100 million bond and two level-16 civil service sureties. Hashim’s bail hearing has been scheduled for November 18, 2024.
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Both defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail conditions are met.
The suspects, reportedly part of a four-man syndicate posing as EFCC officials, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Abuja.
The EFCC has vowed to continue its efforts to investigate and dismantle such fraudulent activities that undermine the fight against corruption.
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