The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, for allegedly impersonating the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in an attempt to defraud a former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko. The suspects were brought before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
According to the EFCC, the defendants posed as representatives of Olukoyede, falsely claiming access to a purported EFCC investigation involving Bello-Koko. They allegedly demanded $1 million, promising “soft landing” in exchange, and threatened legal action should he refuse.
A four-count charge was filed against Joshua and Hashim, including impersonation and attempted fraud. One charge indicated they attempted to extract $700,000 from Bello-Koko under the pretense of halting a fictitious investigation.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, requested that they be remanded pending trial, while defense attorneys filed for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie granted Joshua bail at N100 million with stringent conditions, while Hashim awaits a bail hearing on November 18.
The alleged syndicate members were arrested in Garki and Apo, Abuja. They remain detained at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail terms are met.
