Ngozi Olejeme money laundering case begins as ex-NSITF boss pleads not guilty to ₦1bn fraud. EFCC plans to present 14 witnesses at trial

Ngozi Olejeme has denied the money laundering charges leveled against her with the former Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) pleading not guilty to charges totalling ₦1 billion.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Olejeme before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court on eight counts related to money laundering, involving alleged illegal financial transactions dating back to 2012 during her tenure as NSITF board chair.

One of the key allegations includes the conversion of ₦321.6 million into the account of Adin Miles International Ltd, which the EFCC claims were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Another charge accuses Olejeme of instructing an associate to convert $2 million into naira, also allegedly sourced through illicit means.

All charges were read in court, and the defendant pleaded not guilty to each count.

Prosecution counsel told the court that the EFCC intends to present 14 witnesses to support its case, including financial analysts, company registrars, and investigators.

The judge adjourned the matter for the commencement of trial while ruling on a bail application is expected at the next hearing.

Olejeme served as NSITF board chair during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and the charges stem from alleged abuse of office and financial misconduct during that period.