EFCC Arrests Syndicate Impersonating Chairman in 1 Million US Dollar Fraud Scheme
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a four-man syndicate accused of impersonating and attempting to blackmail the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in a $1 million fraud scheme.
The suspects, identified as Ojobo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh, and Paul Ogiji, were arrested on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at locations in Garki and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. According to the EFCC, the syndicate had targeted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, falsely claiming that he was under investigation by the Commission.
The alleged fraudsters contacted Bello-Koko, claiming that Mr. Olukoyede was prepared to offer him a “soft landing” to avoid prosecution, but only in exchange for a payment of $1 million. The EFCC, upon receiving intelligence about the impersonators’ activities, deployed operatives to engage with the syndicate, leading to their successful arrest.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the EFCC, and according to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the Commission, they will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat fraudulent activities and protect the integrity of its operations. The Commission continues to urge the public to remain vigilant against scams and to report any suspicious activities.
