Ex-NSTIF boss, Olejeme, slumps at home before N1.3bn fraud trial
Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) who is standing trial over an alleged N1.3 billion fraud before Justice Maryam Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, was said to have slumped at home before her resumed trial on Monday.
Olojeme’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, told the court that his client slumped at exactly 6:30 am on Monday while getting set for court, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Abuja for medical attention.
According to Erokoro who presented a letter informing the court about the incident and prayed for an adjournment, he could not present a medical report as the hospital was still reviewing her case.
Steve Odiase, the prosecuting counsel, however, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
He said, “My Lord, they served us with a letter seeking for an adjournment based on the defendant’s ill health, and being the defendant’s first time absenting herself in the court and for the interest of justice, we are not opposing their application seeking adjournment.
“Meanwhile, for record purposes, we came prepared with five witnesses in court, and all of them stood up for recognition,” he said.
Justice Aliyu thereafter adjourned the matter till April 13, 2022, for continuation of trial.
Periscope International reports that Olojeme was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a nine count charge.
These include criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering to the tune of over N1.3 billion.
