An investigating officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tanko Abubakar, has told an Abuja High Court that one of the defendants in an alleged $700,000 fraud case presented himself as the Personal Assistant to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Abubakar, the second prosecution witness, made the disclosure on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while testifying before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.
The witness was cross-examined by counsel to the first defendant, Obinna Nwosu, during the trial of Ojoba Joshua and Aliyu Haskim, who are facing a four-count amended charge bordering on impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
The EFCC accused Joshua of falsely claiming to be Olukoyede’s Personal Assistant and conspiring with Haskim to obtain $700,000 from former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammed Bello Koko.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly posed as EFCC operatives and approached Koko, claiming that the commission was investigating his tenure as NPA managing director.
They allegedly told him that the EFCC chairman and Director of Operations had requested $1 million to halt the investigation, but later agreed to collect $700,000.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Abubakar told the court that he encountered Joshua while investigating the case and that the defendant introduced himself as the EFCC chairman’s Personal Assistant.
When asked to provide evidence of the claim, the witness referred to video recordings in which Haskim allegedly stated that Joshua had identified himself as Olukoyede’s aide.
“My lord, there are video clips to show when the second defendant said in his statement that he is the PA to the EFCC chairman. He said this when we were driving in the car.” He said.
The defence subsequently requested that the witness identify the specific portion of the recordings where the alleged disclosure was made.
However, Justice Onwuegbuzie observed that playing the entire recordings would take up considerable court time. He therefore directed the prosecution to review the footage, identify the relevant sections and present them at the next sitting.
During the hearing, prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, also asked the court for permission to have her next witness testify virtually, explaining that the individual was outside the country and would not be available to appear physically.
The judge granted the application and adjourned the case to November 9, 16, 19, 23 and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.
