By John Ogunsemore
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a four-man syndicate of suspected fraudsters impersonating and blackmailing the Executive Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in a $1 million deal.
In a Thursday statement, the EFCC said its operatives arrested the suspects – Ojobo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji – 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 his indictment in some phony investigative activities of the EFCC during his tenure as the MD of NPA.
“They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to give him a soft landing for $1million or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
“On receipt of intelligence regarding the moves of the impersonators, operatives of the Commission were deployed to play along with the alleged fraudsters.
“They were successfully arrested and in custody of the Commission,” the statement reads in part.
The commission said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.