The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Mohammed Sufyanu and Abbas Attahiru, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, for conspiracy, impersonation and obtaining under false pretence.

Abbas allegedly conspired with Sufyanu to obtain money from one Dr. Modibbo Ahmed. While posing as EFCC operatives, they told him that he had a case with the EFCC, but that they could help him “kill” the case, if he “played ball”. He alleged that he was threatened that the operatives were coming to raid his house, if he did not agree to "settle" them.

Ahmed, suspecting foul play, petitioned the EFCC. The anti-graft agency swung into action, and after a sting operation, nabbed the two impostors.

One of the counts reads: “That you Mohammed Sufyanu, Abbas Attahiru (a.k.a Ahamed) and one Alloy (now at large) on or about April 2, 2016 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, pretended to be officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and in such assumed character and under the colour of such office presented yourselves to one Dr. Ahmed Modibbo and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code.”

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, when they were read to them.

In view of their plea, prosecution counsel, Dalyop E. Vou, asked for a date for commencement of trial.

Defence counsel, A. I. Mohammed, however, made an oral application for bail pursuant to Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and Section 158 and 162 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015. He told the court that the defendants have undertaken not to commit another offence and will not evade trial.

Vou did not object the bail application.

Justice Oriji granted them bail in the sum of N2 million each with one surety in like sum. The sureties must be resident in Abuja, and must be civil servants of grade level 10 and above. The trial judged added that the prosecution, the investigating police officer, and the court registrar must verify the status of the sureties, who must swear to an affidavit of means.

In a related development, Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Asaba, on June 6, 2016 convicted and sentenced Stephen Othuke Perry alias Martins Leon and Ogaga Ovuapkorie to seven years imprisonment each.

The duo were arraigned by EFCC on February 21, 2013 on a 12 count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N24,812,905.

After a diligent prosecution by the EFCC, Justice Buba found the duo guilty on all the 12 counts and consequently sentenced them to seven years imprisonment on each of the counts without any option of fine. However, the sentences are to run concurrently.

The convicts were also ordered by the court to pay restitution in the total sum to all the victims of their fraudulent act.

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