Kehinde Fajobi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, alleged members of a syndicate accused of impersonating EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and attempting to extort $1 million from former Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The two appeared before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, facing charges of impersonation and attempted fraud.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the defendants allegedly told Bello-Koko they had access to a fabricated EFCC investigation involving him and claimed Olukoyede could ensure a “soft landing” if paid.
Count two of the charges stated, “That you, Ojobo Joshua (aka PA to Chairman EFCC) and Aliyu Hashim, on or about September 28, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain $700,000 (Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) by false pretence from Mohammed Bello-Koko.
“You falsely represented to him that there was a pending EFCC petition against him which you could influence the Executive Chairman to halt.
“This act is contrary to Section 8(b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested that they be remanded, pending trial, and asked for a hearing date to begin presenting witnesses. Defence counsel Obinna S. Nwosu, representing Joshua, sought bail, while Peter Oriobe, representing Hashim, made an oral bail request.
Justice Onwuebuzie instructed Oriobe to submit the bail request in writing.
Opposing the bail applications, Alabi presented a counter-affidavit and an exhibit urging the court to deny bail and proceed with an accelerated hearing.
After consideration, Justice Onwuebuzie granted Joshua bail at ₦100 million, with two sureties, both at least level 16 civil servants.
Each surety must provide their appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written commitment to ensure Joshua’s court attendance.
The court ordered Joshua to surrender his passport.
Until their bail conditions are met, both defendants remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court set November 18, 2024, to review Hashim’s formal bail application.