From Premium Times Nigeria · Emmanuel Agbo · · 2m
EFCC Witness Details $700,000 Fraud Arrest
EFCC witness explains how two men posed as officials to defraud former NPA director of $700,000.
In brief
EFCC witness explains how two men posed as officials to defraud former NPA director of $700,000. Two men arrested for impersonating EFCC officials to steal $700,000 from former Nigerian Ports Authority managing director. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
EFCC Witness Testifies
An EFCC operative testified in the FCT High Court about arresting two men accused of posing as EFCC officials to defraud former Nigerian Ports Authority managing director Mohammed Bello-Koko.
Fraud Claimed $1 Million
The defendants told Mr Bello-Koko his tenure as NPA managing director was under investigation and demanded $1 million to stop the probe.
EFCC Claims $700,000
The amount was eventually reduced to $700,000, according to the prosecution.
Defendants Pleaded Not Guilty
The defendants were arraigned on 13 November 2024 and pleaded not guilty to amended four charges of impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
Threats of Arrest
The defendants allegedly threatened Mr Bello-Koko with arrest and prosecution if he refused to cooperate, while claiming they could secure a 'soft landing' for him through EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
Witness Involvement
Tanko Abubakar, the second prosecution witness, testified in the trial of Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim after the EFCC’s Abuja zonal director received intelligence about the fraud attempt.
Meeting at Crystal Palace
Mr Hashim invited Mr Bello-Koko to Crystal Palace Hotel on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, where they met Mr Joshua at the Legislative Quarters in Apo.
Initial Offer Rejected
Mr Abubakar said he offered $300,000, but Mr Joshua rejected it. A subsequent offer of $500,000 was also turned down.
Final Amount Accepted
Mr Hashim persuaded Mr Joshua to accept $700,000, the witness said.
Arrest at A.A. Rano
Mr Abubakar said he drove to Gimbiya Street and showed Mr Hashim the bag containing the money. EFCC operatives then moved in and arrested him.
Arrest of Mr Joshua
Mr Joshua’s wife allowed the operatives into the house, where they found him inside his store and arrested him.
Trial Continuation
The trial judge Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case until Thursday for continuation of the trial.
Witness Replacement
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Prosecution lawyer Elizabeth Alabi told the court that Hakeem Lasisi, the witness originally scheduled to testify, was unavailable because he was on an official assignment outside the country.
Arrest Details
The defendants were arrested on 28 August 2024 after the EFCC team located the money and met at a filling station along Lugbe Road, Abuja.
What to remember
Two men arrested for impersonating EFCC officials to steal $700,000 from former Nigerian Ports Authority managing director.
