The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two alleged members of a syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, accused of impersonating the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in an attempt to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The suspects were presented before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashim contacted Bello-Koko, falsely claiming they could influence an investigation they alleged was ongoing against him. They demanded $1 million to secure a “soft landing” and threatened arrest and prosecution if he failed to cooperate.
The defendants face a four-count charge, including impersonation and attempted fraud, under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
In court, it was revealed that on September 28, 2024, the duo attempted to obtain $700,000 from Bello-Koko, asserting they could halt a non-existent EFCC petition.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested their remand pending trial, while the defense sought bail.
Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant, Joshua, with stringent conditions including a N100 million bond and two level-16 civil service sureties. Both defendants were ordered remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met. The judge scheduled the second defendant’s bail hearing for November 18, 2024.
The suspects, reportedly part of a four-man syndicate impersonating EFCC officials, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Garki and Apo legislative quarters, Abuja.