Defendants accused of impersonating EFCC boss Olukoyede
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two men – Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim – over alleged plot to swindle a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko.
They were arraigned on November 13 before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Apo.
They were also accused of impersonating the Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, allegedly claiming to be able to influence a purported investigation against Bello-Koko.
According to a statement by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Joshua and Hashim allegedly contacted Bello-Koko claiming to have access to a phoney investigation involving him by the EFCC.
Oyewole said the defendants, who are said to be members of a syndicate, “demanded $1 million from Bello-Koko promising that Olukoyede would ensure a ‘soft landing’ for them.
“They also threatened him (Bello-Koko) with arrest and prosecution should he fail to play along with them.”
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The EFCC claimed that Joshua and Hashim are members of an alleged four-man syndicate impersonating Olukoyede, adding that they were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo legislative quarters.
The defendants however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which their lawyers – Obinna S. Nwosu (for Joshua) and Peter Oriobe (for Hashim) – urged the court to grant them bail.
While Nwosu filed a formal bail application for his client, Oriobe applied orally for bail for the second defendant.
Although EFCC’s lawyer, Elizabeth Alabi opposed the defendants’ bail applications, Justice Onwuebuzie elected to admit the first defendant to bail at N100milion with two sureties in like sum.
The first defendant, the judge added, must also surrender his international passport to the court.