The EFCC stated that the suspects allegedly contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), under false pretenses. Claiming to have access to a fabricated investigation against him by the EFCC, they demanded $1 million, promising that Chairman Olukoyede would ensure a “soft landing” for Bello-Koko. They threatened him with arrest and prosecution if he failed to comply.

The commission charged Joshua and Hashim with four counts of impersonation and attempted fraud. One notable charge reads: *“That you, Ojobo Joshua (aka PA to Chairman EFCC) and Aliyu Hashim, on or about September 28, 2024, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain the sum of $700,000 (Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) by false pretence from Mohammed Bello-Koko. You falsely represented to him that there was a pending EFCC petition against him, which you could influence the Executive Chairman to halt. This act is contrary to Section 8(b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.”*

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant, Joshua, setting bail at N100 million with two sureties of the same value. The sureties must be at least level 16 officers in the civil service, provide their appointment and promotion documents, valid ID, and a written commitment to ensure Joshua’s attendance at court proceedings. Joshua is also required to surrender his international passport.

The court ordered the remand of both defendants at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are fulfilled. The case was adjourned to November 18, 2024, for the hearing of Hashim’s bail application.