The EFCC has charged former NSITF chairman, Ngozi Olejeme, for alleged N1 billion fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday charged former chairman of the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, for alleged N1 billion fraud at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

He was charged with eight counts of fraud and money laundering.

The commission accused Olejeme of converting, transferring, acquiring and expropriating the proceeds of unlawful activities.

The EFCC also alleged that the defendant diverted some funds belonging to the NSITF between 2012 and 2015 while serving as chairman of the body.

The commission confirmed the news in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Olejeme, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Following his application, EFCC counsel, Emenike Mgbemele, asked the court to set a trial date.

He said the commission would call 14 witnesses to prove its case against the defendants.

Judge Emeka Nwite ordered the defendant released to his legal counsel, Emeka Ogboguo, and adjourned the case to November 17 to hear the bail application.

The EFCC in 2017 said Olejeme was wanted for alleged diversion of N69 billion during his tenure as NSITF chairman.