The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned two suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, for allegedly impersonating EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to attempt a $700,000 fraud scheme involving blackmail. Their arraignment took place on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.
According to the EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), under the pretense of having access to a fabricated investigation involving him at the EFCC. Joshua and Hashim allegedly demanded $1 million from Bello-Koko, promising lenient treatment by Olukoyede. They further threatened him with arrest and prosecution if he refused to comply with their demands.
The EFCC noted that the two men are members of a four-person syndicate known for impersonating top EFCC officials. The suspects were arrested on August 28, 2024, at separate locations in Abuja: Gimbiya Street in Garki and the Apo legislative quarters. They have been charged with four counts, including impersonation and attempted fraud, all of which they denied in court.
Following their pleas of not guilty, EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested that the defendants be remanded in custody pending trial. However, counsel for the first defendant, Obinna Nwosu, filed for his client’s bail on liberal terms, while Peter Oriobe, representing the second defendant, made an oral bail application, which Justice Onwuebuzie instructed to be formally submitted in writing.
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant, setting the conditions at N100 million with two sureties of the same value. The sureties are required to be level-16 civil service officers and must submit appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written guarantee to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. Additionally, the first defendant must surrender his international passport.
Justice Onwuebuzie ordered that both defendants be held at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are satisfied. The case was adjourned to November 18, 2024, when the court will consider the bail application for the second defendant.
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