$1m fraud: EFCC nabs syndicate impersonating commission’s boss, Olukoyede

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a four-man syndicate impersonating and blackmailing the executive chairman of the commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, in a $1 million deal.

The suspects, Ojodo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji, were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

The alleged fraudsters contacted a former managing director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, claiming he had been indicted for some activities during his tenure as the MD of NPA.

They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to give him a soft landing for $1 million, or he risked being arrested and prosecuted. After receiving intelligence, EFCC operatives were deployed to play along with the alleged fraudsters.

They were successfully arrested and are in the custody of the commission. Confirming the development, the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.