The trial of former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, before Justice Maryam Hassan Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja has been adjourned.
The adjournment was forced because of information before the court that the Chairman, accused of N1.3b fraud, slumped.
According to a document presented before the court by her lawyer, Paul Erokoro, Olejeme slumped in her home at exactly 6:30am on Monday while getting set for the court sitting, also on Monday.
Erokoro said she was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Abuja for medical attention.
He presented a letter informing the court about the development and prayed for an adjournment.
He further told the court that he could not present a medical report as the hospital was still reviewing her case.
Responding, the Prosecuting Counsel, Sir Steve Odiase, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
Odiase 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.”
Justice Aliyu thereafter adjourned the matter till April 13, 2022 for continuation of trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Olejeme on a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.
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