https://newskobo.com/2025/10/10/efcc-arraigns-former-nsitf-chair-in-abuja-over-%e2%82%a61bn-fraud-charges/、

The EFCC has arraigned former NSITF Chairperson Ngozi Olejeme over alleged ₦1 billion money laundering and fund diversion.

She pleaded not guilty as the court fixed November 17 for her bail hearing and trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, over allegations of laundering and mismanaging public funds amounting to about ₦1 billion.

Olejeme appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The EFCC charged her with eight counts bordering on money laundering, conversion, transfer, and possession of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offences were committed during her tenure as the board chairman of the NSITF. One of the charges alleges that in February 2012, she unlawfully converted ₦321.6 million paid into the account of Adin Miles International Limited. The prosecution claimed she knew the funds were part of proceeds from an illegal transaction, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

The EFCC further accused her of directing one Chuka C. Eze to exchange $2 million into naira, which was later transferred to the same company. Investigators alleged that the money was linked to corrupt activities connected to the management of the NSITF.

When the charges were read, Olejeme pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer, Emeka Ogboguo (SAN), prayed the court to grant her bail, assuring that she would be available to face trial.

Prosecution counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, opposed the oral bail request and asked the court to fix a date for trial, saying the commission was ready to present 14 witnesses to prove its case.

Justice Nwite allowed Olejeme to remain in the custody of her lawyer pending the hearing of her formal bail application. The matter was adjourned to November 17, 2025, for the hearing.