An Abuja court sitting in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the remand of two men accused of impersonating Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The suspects, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashi were arraigned by the EFCC on Wednesday before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie on charges of impersonation and attempted fraud.
The defendants were arrested in August alongside two others, Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji, at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.
According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashi contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, claiming his tenure was under investigation by the anti-graft agency.
They allegedly demanded $1 million from Bello-Koko, promising that Olukoyede would ensure a “soft landing” for him.
The suspects further threatened Bello-Koko with arrest and prosecution if he refused to comply.
The EFCC charged Joshua and Hashi with a four-count charge of impersonation and fraud. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The counsel to the EFCC, Elizabeth Alabi, urged the court to remand the defendants in custody pending the commencement of their trial.
“Having pleaded not guilty, my lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody,” Alabi stated.
Counsel for the first defendant, Obinna Nwosu, sought liberal bail terms for his client, while Peter Oriobe, counsel for the second defendant, made an oral request for bail.
Justice Onwuebuzie granted the first defendant bail of N100 million with two sureties of the same amount.
The sureties must be level 16 civil servants, provide valid identification, submit their appointment and promotion letters, and provide a written undertaking to ensure the defendant’s presence at all court sessions.
The first defendant was also ordered to surrender his international passport.
For the second defendant, the judge directed that his counsel file a formal bail application.
Both defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail conditions are met.
The case was adjourned to November 18 for the second defendant’s bail application hearing.
