EFCC arraigns 2 for impersonating chairman, Olukoyede in alleged $1m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, who allegedly impersonated the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a failed attempt to defraud a high-profile target.

The two were arraigned on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.

The suspects reportedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), claiming they had access to a fabricated EFCC investigation involving him.

They demanded a $1 million payment, promising a “soft landing” from Olukoyede if the amount was paid. In a bid to coerce him, the suspects threatened arrest and prosecution should he refuse to cooperate.

The EFCC has now filed a four-count charge against Joshua and Hashim, accusing them of both impersonation and attempted fraud.

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Count two of the charge reads: “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 the sum of $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 the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas, EFCC’s counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, requested the court to remand the defendants in a Correctional facility pending the commencement of the trial.

She said, “Having pleaded not guilty, my Lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody.”

Obinna S. Nwosu, counsel to the first defendant, applied for his client’s release on liberal bail terms, while counsel for the second defendant, Peter Oriobe, made an oral request for bail. Justice Onwuebuzie, however, directed Oriobe to formally submit the bail application in writing.

Alabi opposed the bail applications, referencing a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit and Exhibit EFCC 1 and urged the court to deny the defendant bail and grant an accelerated hearing.

After reviewing the applications, Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must not be less than level 16 officers in the civil service. The sureties are also required to submit their appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written undertaking to bring the defendant to every court sitting. The first defendant must also surrender his international passport to the court.

The court ordered that the first and second defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met and adjourned the matter till November 18, 2024, for the hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.

Joshua and Hashim are members of an alleged four-man syndicate impersonating Olukoyede. They were arrested at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo legislative quarters.