The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four people pretending to be its Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and trying to cheat someone out of $1 million.
The arrests happened on Wednesday. This is a big step by the EFCC in fighting against money crimes and corruption in Nigeria.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said on Thursday that the four people were caught in Abuja, at Gimbiya Street in Garki and the Apo Legislative Quarters. The EFCC acted after getting a tip-off about what the group was doing.
The bad guys pretended to be Mr. Olukoyede and contacted Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, who used to be the boss of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
They told Bello-Koko that he was being investigated by the EFCC for wrongdoings when he was in charge of the NPA. The group said he needed to pay them one million dollars or else he would be arrested and taken to court, but it was all a lie.
“The impersonators asked for one million dollars from Bello-Koko and threatened to arrest him if he didn’t pay,” Oyewale said. The EFCC quickly started an investigation after getting strong information about the group’s plan. They worked together and arrested the suspects, who are now in the EFCC’s custody.
“The suspects are now in EFCC custody and will go to court once the investigation is finished,” Oyewale added. This arrest shows that the EFCC is dedicated to stopping fraud and protecting Nigeria’s financial system.
The EFCC has been chasing many financial criminals across the country. This latest arrest shows how tricky these fraudsters can be and why it’s important for law enforcement to act quickly.
This case also shows the problems that the EFCC faces in its effort to stop money crimes and keep people’s trust in Nigeria’s institutions. As the investigation goes on, more details about the group’s actions and other possible partners will come out, showing a clearer picture of this crime.
What to know
In another big case, Yahaya Adoza Bello and others face many charges of financial crimes involving billions of naira. The court cases will continue. The EFCC has also said that the Kogi State government is using “immunity” to protect Bello from arrest, pointing out the ongoing legal issues and the challenges of political immunity in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Yahaya Adoza Bello, along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu (who is still missing), faced charges of working together to steal over N80 billion through criminal breach of trust in 2016, breaking the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Bello was also accused of helping E-Traders International Limited hide over N3 billion and sending $570,330 to the USA, all money from illegal activities.