Tanko Abubakar, the second prosecution witness, gave the account during the ongoing trial of Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants approached Bello-Koko and claimed that his tenure as NPA managing director was under investigation. They allegedly demanded $1 million to stop the purported investigation, claiming the money was required by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the commission’s Director of Operations.

According to the prosecution, the amount was eventually reduced to $700,000. The defendants are facing an amended four-count charge involving conspiracy, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence. They pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on November 13, 2024.

Abubakar told the court that he became involved in the investigation in 2024 after the EFCC’s Abuja zonal director received intelligence that the two men were allegedly attempting to defraud the former NPA chief.

He said Bello-Koko informed him that Hashim claimed to know an individual allegedly posing as the EFCC chairman’s personal assistant. The former NPA managing director subsequently introduced Abubakar to Hashim, whom the witness contacted in August 2024 to discuss the matter.

According to Abubakar, Hashim invited him to Crystal Palace Hotel on Gimbiya Street in Abuja’s Area 11 district, where they were expected to meet Joshua. The meeting later took place at the Legislative Quarters in Apo, where Joshua arrived in two vehicles.

The witness said Joshua asked whether Hashim had explained how much money was required to stop the purported investigation. Joshua allegedly demanded $1 million from him and Bello-Koko.

Abubakar told the court that he offered $300,000, but the proposal was rejected. A subsequent offer of $500,000 was also turned down before Hashim allegedly persuaded Joshua to accept $700,000.

The witness said he reported the development to his zonal director, who assembled an investigative team comprising Abubakar, Hakeem Lasisi, Abdulhamid Wodi and Olalekan Ogunjobi.

He recounted that on August 28, 2024, he informed the defendants that he had returned from Kaduna with the money and was heading to the EFCC headquarters to deliver it. Joshua allegedly redirected him to an A.A. Rano filling station along Lugbe Road in Abuja.

Abubakar said Joshua arrived at the location in a Hilux vehicle and another sport utility vehicle, accompanied by three armed mobile police officers in the Hilux. Hashim also arrived, but the EFCC team could not make an arrest at that point because its operatives at the scene were unarmed, according to the witness.

He said he contacted his office, which subsequently mobilised armed personnel for another attempt to apprehend the suspects.

Abubakar later informed Hashim that the money was ready and was directed to meet him at Crystal Palace Hotel. After Joshua initially failed to answer his calls, the witness said he sent a text message confirming the availability of the money.

Joshua subsequently called and directed him to meet Hashim. Abubakar said he went to Gimbiya Street and showed Hashim a bag containing the money, prompting EFCC operatives to move in and arrest him.

According to the witness, Hashim initially denied knowing Joshua’s residence but later led the operatives there after Joshua requested a video call to confirm that the money was ready.

Abubakar told the court that Joshua’s wife allowed the EFCC team into the house, where the defendant was found inside his store and arrested. Both men were subsequently taken to the commission’s headquarters.

During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Elizabeth Alabi informed the court that Hakeem Lasisi, who had originally been scheduled to testify, was unavailable because he was on an official assignment outside the country. The prosecution consequently presented Abubakar to give evidence, and the court allowed him to testify.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case until Thursday, October 22, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

The allegations against Joshua and Hashim remain before the court. Their guilt or innocence will be determined through the judicial process.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media