The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently brought charges against two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, for allegedly impersonating and attempting to blackmail Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC’s Executive Chairman. The suspects appeared before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.
According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashim posed as close associates of the EFCC Chairman. They reportedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, claiming they had access to a non-existent EFCC investigation against him. By leveraging this fabricated investigation, the suspects demanded $1 million, promising that Olukoyede would ensure lenient treatment for Bello-Koko if he paid.
The EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that four charges were filed against the defendants, including impersonation and attempted fraud. One of the charges specified that the duo attempted to obtain $700,000 from Bello-Koko by pretending to influence the EFCC Chairman’s decisions.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Elizabeth Alabi, representing the EFCC, requested that the court keep the defendants in custody until the trial begins. Meanwhile, defense lawyers for both accused individuals sought bail, although Alabi argued against it.
Justice Onwuebuzie eventually granted bail to the first defendant, Joshua, in the amount of N100 million, with stringent conditions, including two high-ranking civil servant guarantors. Additionally, the court ordered the surrender of Joshua’s international passport and imposed strict supervision of the bail terms. Until they fulfill these conditions, both suspects will remain at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case is set to continue on November 18, 2024, with a hearing on the bail request for the second defendant, Hashim.
