Four Arrested for Attempting to Extort $1 Million Using EFCC Chair’s Name

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended four individuals accused of using the name of the EFCC chairperson, Ola Olukoyede, to extort $1 million from a former government official. The suspects allegedly attempted to blackmail the ex-Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, by threatening him with a fabricated investigation and prosecution.

The arrested individuals, identified as Ojobo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh, and Paul Ogiji, were taken into custody during a coordinated sting operation in Abuja. The arrests occurred at multiple locations, including Gimbiya Street in Garki and Apo Legislative Quarters. According to EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspects had posed as EFCC operatives, falsely claiming they had incriminating evidence against Mr. Bello-Koko from his tenure at the NPA. The syndicate demanded $1 million in exchange for what they described as a “soft landing” to avoid legal consequences.

“The Commission acted swiftly upon receiving credible intelligence about the syndicate’s activities,” said Oyewale. “Our operatives played along with the suspects and successfully apprehended them. They are currently in EFCC custody, and charges will be filed as soon as the investigation is concluded.”

This case highlights a growing trend of impersonation and extortion scams targeting high-profile individuals. In February 2023, the EFCC arrested Salman Hudu from Kano for impersonating the commission’s former chair, Abdulrasheed Bawa, and obtaining N100,000 from a victim under false pretenses. Similarly, in August 2016, three suspects were arrested for attempting to extort N16 million from a political figure by falsely claiming to be in contact with then-acting EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu.

The EFCC has consistently warned the public about the dangers of impersonation scams, urging people to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the commission. The agency remains committed to pursuing justice and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward.