Two suspects have been arrested for allegedly impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a bid to extort $1 million from Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

In this regard, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

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The duo are facing a four-count charge, including impersonation and attempted fraud under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashim contacted Bello-Koko, falsely claiming they had influence over an ongoing investigation against him and demanded $1 million to ensure a favorable outcome.

They allegedly threatened to have him arrested and prosecuted if he refused to comply.

Court documents revealed that on September 28, 2024, the duo tried to extort $700,000 from Bello-Koko, claiming it would help block a fabricated EFCC petition against him.

The two suspects, believed to be part of a four-man syndicate posing as EFCC officials, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Garki and the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.

In court, both Joshua and Hashim pleaded not guilty to the charges.

EFCC prosecutor Elizabeth Alabi requested their remand in custody, while the defense sought bail.

Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to Joshua under stringent conditions, including a N100 million bond and two sureties at level-16 civil service rank.

Both suspects were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet the bail conditions.

A bail hearing for Hashim is scheduled for November 18, 2024.

In an ongoing high-profile money laundering case against former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Bureau de Change (BDC) operator Ayuba Tanko took the stand on Wednesday, shedding light on alleged financial transactions tied to Obiano’s administration.

The trial is being held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo.

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Tanko, who testified as the fifth prosecution witness (PW-5) led by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), revealed that between April and December 2017, a total of N416 million was funneled into an account he managed via proxy for business operations.

According to his testimony, this amount was converted to an equivalent of $1.137 million and returned in U.S. dollars in multiple tranches.

“I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange — USDs, Euros, and pounds sterling,” said Ayuba, explaining his business and how he sources clients to facilitate foreign exchange transactions for a commission.

He said he used two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, for these operations.

Ayuba disclosed that he was contacted by the EFCC in 2023 to provide details on transactions conducted through Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account with a commercial bank.

When questioned about the specific amount handled in 2017, Ayuba confirmed, “The total money I received during that period was N416 million. And I gave a dollar equivalent as $1,137,000.00.”

During cross-examination, Obiano’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) questioned whether Ayuba had dealt with Obiano directly.

Ayuba clarified, “I did not deal directly with the defendant,” indicating the transactions were conducted through proxies rather than direct communication with the former governor.

The EFCC also presented testimonies from three bankers, providing additional context to the alleged financial transactions.

Justice Ekwo, after hearing the testimonies and cross-examinations, adjourned the case until February 24, 25, and 26, 2025, when the trial is set to resume.

The Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya has deported a group of 13 migrants, which includes seven Nigerians, three Ghanaians, and three Bangladeshis, for allegedly violating Libyan law.

The deportees, who were previously held at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre, were flown out via Benina International Airport in Benghazi.

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In a statement released on their official X handle, Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the deportation, noting that the individuals were returned to their home countries due to infractions against Libyan regulations.

The statement read, “DCIM deported 13 migrants (3 Bangladeshis, 3 Ghanaians, and 7 Nigerians) from the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre via Benina International Airport in Benghazi. All individuals were deported for violating laws in force in the Libyan state.”

This action marks part of ongoing measures by Libyan authorities to enforce immigration laws within the country.