$1m fraud: EFCC nabs syndicate impersonating Olukoyede

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a four-man syndicate of alleged fraudsters for impersonating and blackmailing the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in a $1 million deal.

The fraudsters—Ojodo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh, and Paul Ogiji—were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

The alleged fraudsters contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, claiming his indictment in some phony investigative activities of the EFCC during his tenure as MD of NPA.

They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to offer him a soft landing for $1 million or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

Upon receiving intelligence about the impersonators’ activities, operatives of the Commission were deployed to engage with the alleged fraudsters.

The suspects were successfully arrested and are now in the custody of the Commission.

EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale said they would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.