Our reporter
Two men, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, have been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly impersonating top EFCC officials, including the agency’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in an elaborate $1 million blackmail scheme targeting former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The suspects appeared on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.
Prosecutors allege that the duo posed as senior EFCC operatives to extort $1 million from Bello-Koko, claiming they could influence an investigation they falsely asserted was pending against him.
According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashim contacted Bello-Koko and attempted to secure a $700,000 advance on September 28, 2024, threatening arrest and prosecution if he refused to comply.
The four-count charges against the defendants include criminal impersonation and attempted fraud under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
During the arraignment, both men pleaded not guilty. EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested their detention pending the start of the trial, while the defense argued for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie granted Joshua bail, setting stringent terms that included a N100 million bond and two sureties in senior civil service roles.
Hashim’s bail hearing was scheduled for November 18, 2024. Until bail terms are met, both men will be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The EFCC revealed that the suspects were part of a broader four-man syndicate operating within Abuja, with their arrest occurring on August 28, 2024, in the Garki and Apo legislative areas.
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