The trial of Ngozi Olejeme, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) before Justice Maryam Hassan Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi Abuja could not continue on Tuesday, because the defendant allegedly slumped at home today.
Olejeme is facing nine counts including abuse of office and using position to obtain over N1.3 billion and $48,485,127.
The EFCC said her offences contravened the provisions of sections 8, 9 (1) (b) (1), punishable under the Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offence Act 2000 and sections 17, (1) (2), 39 of EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same section.
According to her counsel, Paul Erokoro SAN, the defendant slumped at exactly 6:30 am today while getting set for court, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Abuja for medical attention.
Erokoro presented a letter informing the court about the development and praying 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. “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.