The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, on charges of impersonation and attempted blackmail of the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The duo was brought before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed in a statement that Joshua and Hashim were part of a syndicate that demanded $1 million, allegedly promising Mohammed Bello-Koko “soft landing” assurances from Olukoyede if he complied with their request. Four charges were filed against the defendants, including impersonation and fraud.
One of the charges, as read in court, stated: “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 by false pretence from Mohammed Bello-Koko, falsely claiming you could influence the Executive Chairman to halt an alleged EFCC petition against him.” This act, the EFCC stated, is a violation under Section 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. EFCC counsel Elizabeth Alabi then requested the court to remand the suspects at a correctional facility until the trial could commence. “Having pleaded not guilty, my Lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody,” she urged.
Obinna S. Nwosu, counsel to the first defendant, sought bail for his client under “liberal terms,” while Peter Oriobe, representing the second defendant, made an oral bail application. Justice Onwuebuzie directed Oriobe to submit the bail application formally in writing. Alabi contested the bail applications, presenting a 22-paragraph counter-affidavit and Exhibit EFCC 1, urging the court to deny bail and accelerate the hearing.
Justice Onwuebuzie subsequently granted the first defendant bail set at N100 million, with two sureties of equal sum. The sureties, who must be level 16 officers in the civil service, are required to provide appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a signed agreement to ensure the defendant attends every court session. Additionally, the first defendant was ordered to surrender his international passport to the court.
Both defendants are to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet their bail conditions. The case is adjourned to November 18, 2024, for the hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.
