Syndicate Arrested for Blackmailing Ex-NPA MD with Fake EFCC Threats

$1 Million Fraud: EFCC Arrests Syndicate Impersonating Executive Chairman Olukoyede

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a four-man syndicate of alleged fraudsters for impersonating and attempting to blackmail the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in a $1 million extortion scheme.

The suspects, identified as Ojobo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh, and Paul Ogiji, were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, during coordinated operations at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. This was contained in a statement posted on the official X (formerly twitter) account of the commission.

According to preliminary findings, the syndicate contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, falsely claiming that he was under investigation by the EFCC for alleged misconduct during his tenure. The fraudsters purported that Mr. Olukoyede was willing to offer him a “soft landing” in exchange for a $1 million bribe, threatening him with arrest and prosecution if he did not comply.

Upon receiving credible intelligence about the activities of the impersonators, the EFCC deployed its operatives to engage with the suspects under a covert operation. The sting operation led to the successful arrest of the four individuals, who are now in EFCC custody.

The EFCC has stated that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, reaffirming its commitment to tackling fraud and safeguarding the integrity of its leadership.