The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two men Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim on charges of attempting to defraud Mohammed Bello-Koko former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
They were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo.
The defendants are accused of impersonating EFCC chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, claiming they could influence an investigation allegedly involving Bello-Koko.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Joshua and Hashim contacted Bello-Koko, demanding $1 million and promising to secure a “soft landing” from Olukoyede. They also threatened him with arrest if he did not comply.
EFCC stated that Joshua and Hashim are part of a four-man syndicate that impersonates Olukoyede. The pair were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Garki and Apo legislative quarters.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers, Obinna Nwosu for Joshua and Peter Oriobe for Hashim, requested bail. Nwosu filed a formal bail application, while Oriobe made an oral application.
Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant at N100 million with two sureties, who must be level 16 officers in the civil service. The judge also required the sureties to provide identification and an undertaking to ensure the defendant’s court appearances. Additionally, the first defendant must surrender his passport.
The judge ordered that the defendants remain in Kuje prison until their bail is met. Oriobe was instructed to file a formal bail application for Hashim, with a hearing scheduled for November 18, 2024.
