The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently took two suspected fraudsters, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, to court for allegedly pretending to be EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. They are accused of attempting fraud and targeting Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), by using Olukoyede’s identity to try to get money from him.

The arraignment happened on November 13, 2024, before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. According to reports, the suspects contacted Bello-Koko, claiming they had insider information on an investigation against him by the EFCC. They demanded a hefty $1 million to guarantee him leniency, saying that Olukoyede could stop the investigation.

The EFCC has laid four charges against the suspects, including impersonation and attempted fraud. According to one charge, the defendants tried to deceive Bello-Koko into paying $700,000 by promising to prevent a non-existent EFCC probe. This offense falls under the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, which punishes attempts to deceive others for financial gain.

Both suspects pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Following their plea, the EFCC’s lawyer, Elizabeth Alabi, requested that the court remand the defendants in custody until the trial begins. She argued that holding them would prevent further fraudulent actions and enable the EFCC to present witnesses at trial without interference.

Defense lawyers for each suspect requested bail, with the lawyer for the first defendant, Obinna Nwosu, asking for lenient terms. However, Justice Onwuebuzie only allowed bail for the first defendant, setting strict conditions: a N100 million bond, two sureties with high-ranking civil service positions, and submission of his passport.

The court remanded both suspects at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where they will remain until their bail terms are met. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2024, where the bail application for the second defendant will be discussed. These suspects are believed to be part of a larger group impersonating Olukoyede and were arrested in Abuja in the Garki area.

This case is a reminder of the risks and penalties of fraud in Nigeria and highlights the EFCC’s continued commitment to tackling financial crimes.