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Tag: Ngozi Olejeme

  • Court orders EFCC to charge lawyer, ex-senator by March 28

    The FCT High Court, Apo, on Tuesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to charge an Abuja-based lawyer, Monday Ubani and a former Senator, Christopher Enai to court or release them on bail on or before March, 28.

    Justice Silvanus Oriji , gave the order after listening to the submissions of the applicants in an ex-parte motion filed by their counsel Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

    The judge also in alternative granted bail to the applicants in the sum of N50 million with two reasonable sureties, who must must be civil servants on level 15.

    The court had also ordered that the applicants must deposit their international passport.

    READ ALSO: Alleged N13b fraud: EFCC declares ex-NIA boss, wife wanted

    Ozekhome, counsel to the applicants, in the motion exparte prayed the court to order the EFCC to grant the applicants bail on self-recognizance or liberal terms pending arraignment.

    He also prayed an order of the court to direct the EFCC to immediately release the applicant on bail pending formal arraignment of applications before a court.

    He also prayed  an order of the court  directing the  respondent whether by themselves, their  agents ,employee, operatives, detectives, investigating officers to produce the applicants before a court on next adjourned date of this matter.

    The Senior Advocate also stated that the applicants have been detained beyond the constitutionally provided limit by the EFCC.

    Ubani, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch and Enai, ex-senator representing Bayelsa were invited and detained by the EFCC operatives on March, 19.

    The applicants were detained for standing as sureties for Ngozi Olejeme, who once served as the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund from 2009 to 2015.

    They are yet to be charge to court by the EFCC.

     

  • Court strikes out $2.8m suit against ex-NSITF boss, Olejeme

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has struck out a $2.8m suit filed against an ex-Chairperson of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme, by businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, through his company,  Oranto Petroleum Ltd.

    The plaintiff had, in its statement of claim, stated that the money, in addition to another N240 million, formed part of an interest-free loan granted to Mrs. Olejeme by Prince Eze.

    In a ruling, Justice Peter Affen struck out the suit following a notice of discontinuance which was moved by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Nwachukwu Ibegbu.

    Mrs. Olejeme had, in a motion filed in the suit, complained of being subjected to acts of intimidation, harassment and blackmail by security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the alleged instigation by the plaintiff.

    Read Also: NSITF to ensure safe work environment

    She also wrote to the EFCC Chairman on April 16, 2018, complaining about how the plaintiff was allegedly harassing, intimidating and threatening her life over a matter, which he had taken before a court, through his company.

    The letter titled “Re: Case of illegal and unlawful invasion of the home of Dr. Ngozi Olejeme and threats to her life by officers and men of the EFCC, Enugu Zonal office led by one Mustapha Yusuf” chronicled the alleged acts.

    In the said letter written on her behalf by the law firm of Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Mrs. Olejeme wondered why the Enugu division of the EFCC allowed itself to be used to harass, threaten and intimidate her on a purely civil matter which resulted from a transaction that took place in Abuja.

  • Battle of the billionaires: Arthur Eze, Ngozi Olejeme in tussle over $2.8m, N240m

    Battle of the billionaires: Arthur Eze, Ngozi Olejeme in tussle over $2.8m, N240m

    •Oil magnate claims ex-governorship aspirant fails to repay after botched governorship aspiration

    A staggering loan of N1.2billion allegedly borrowed by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart  Dr. Ngozi Olejeme to enable  her prosecute her aspiration of  contesting the  2015 governorship election in Delta State has now landed her in court.

    The lender and Olojeme’s long standing associate, Prince Arthur Eze is frustrated that repayment of the alleged loan is not forthcoming, and prays an Abuja High Court to compel her to pay.

    The loan, according to the suit filed by Eze, is in two parts:$2.8million and  N240 million.

    He said the agreed repayment dates for the funds have long expired without any attempt by the defendant to settle the debt.

    Attached to the suit are 39 pages of Eze’s Oranto Petroleum Limited’s domiciliary and Naira-denominated bank statements detailing dates and amounts transferred into Olejeme’s accounts.

    Eze, in an affidavit in support of his claims, said that even though the interest -free loans which he began to disburse after discussions with Dr. Olejeme on April 2, 2014 were meant to be refunded before the end of 2016, the only response he received after issuing a demand letter was that he may have to wait indefinitely till she is through with her challenges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC is currently investigating an alleged  N69bn fraud in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during Olojeme’s tenure as chairman.

    She was appointed to the position by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Eze, in the affidavit added: “Unless ordered by this court, defendant will continue to remain indifferent to the demand to repay the loan.

    “Between  April 2, 2014 and March 25, 2015, Plaintiff (Eze) availed the Defendant (Olejeme) the total sums of two million, eight hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$ 2, 800, 000) and two hundred and forty, million naira (N240 , 000, 000) through her domiciliary account and current account respectively with Fidelity Bank Plc , Abuja.

    “A breakdown of the dollar denominated loans shows that the Defendant received the said sums in five instalments, namely: US$1,000,000; US $700,000; US $1,000,000; US $50,000 and US $50,000 on 2/4/2014, 31/10/2014, 5/2/2015, 16/2/2015 and 25/3/2015 respectively; the bank statements evidencing the payments is herein attached and marked exhibit ‘B”. For ease of identification and reference, the entries against the Defendant are encircled and ticked.

    “That also a breakdown of the Naira-denominated loans shows that the Defendant received the said sums in six instalments namely N10,000,000; N40,000,000; N50 ,000,000; N50,000,000, N50,000, 000 and N40,000, 000 on 25/7/2014, 14/8/2014, 27/8/2014, 21/10/2014, 27/10/2014 and 6/11/2014 respectively ; the bank statement evidencing the payments is herein attached and marked exhibit C.

    “That the date line agreed upon by the parties has long effluxed without the Defendant coming to terms with her indebtedness prompting the Plaintiff to instruct her solicitor, Chief G.Tagbo to cause a demand letter to be written to the Defendant dated 29/1/2018 wherein a fourteen days ultimatum was given to the Defendant to make good her indebtedness to no avail.

    “Plaintiff’s solicitor letter of demand was dispatched to the Defendant through Red Star Courier Service; Copies of the said demand letter and courier consignment note are herein attached and marked exhibits ‘D & E” respectively.

    “The Defendant, upon the receipt of the said letter, merely deployed her personal aides to plead to me for time as she was having corruption issues with Economic & Financial Crimes Commission.”

    Efforts to seek clarifications from Dr. Olejeme yielded no fruits as she declined to respond to calls and text message sent on Friday evening.

     

  • Ngozi Olejeme bereaved

    Ngozi Olejeme bereaved

    Finance expert and Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust-Fund, Dr, Ngozi Olejeme, is bereaved. She is practically inconsolable over the death of her father, Pa Philips Osakwe Diunor, who died at St Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, on Monday, January 12.

    Ngozi Olejeme has always been known to love her deceased father with uncommon passion. He was before his death a nationalist, devout Christian, acute administrator, entrepreneur, management consultant, philanthropist and social mobiliser.

    Although Pa Diunor was born in a generation when women were considered as nothing more than help mates, he raised his daughter to take charge of her life and be the best she can even in a male-dominated environment.

    “Words cannot convey what he meant to me. He was a great man, a loving father and lover of his people,” said Ngozi in a fit of lamentation. She said her father was dedicated to serving his community to the best of his ability, describing him as a great personality who lived a life of sacrifice and built a bridge of hope and unity among his people.

  • Delta 2015: Aspirant consults stakeholders

    Delta 2015: Aspirant consults stakeholders

    Prominent Urhobo leaders have endorsed the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State.
    They also urged other ethnic groups to support her bid, assuring that she would not disappoint the stakeholders.
    The community elders described Olejeme  as a dynamic, courageous, humble, knowledgeable, strong and compassionate person.
    Olejeme visited the Urhobo leaders in Ethiope, Okpe and Udu councils to discuss political matters germane to the future of the state.
    Urhobo leaders who have endorsed her aspiration include the Head of the Ibori family, Chief William Ibori,  Chairman of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders Council, Chief Gabriel Sefia, Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),  Chief Tom Amioku, the  House of Representatives member from Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Constituency, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon , Chairman of PDP in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Chief Felix Oritsegbone, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Moses Odibo, and former Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Dr. Henry Sakpra.
    Ibori, who spoke in Oghara, Ethiope West Council, said that Olejeme has the experience and capability to rule the state, adding that her antecedents such as her public service records are impressive.
    He applauded her dynamic leadership qualities, outstanding contribution and commitment to human capital development in the country.
    Ibori added: “Leadership entails selfless service, dedication and zeal to serve rather than being served. We are satisfied with your profile and, by the grace of God, you will be governor of the state in 2015. We are solidly behind you.”
    The PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Oritsegbone, said:   “Olejeme is not known to beat about the bush.  Whatever project she embarks upon, she saw to its successful execution. We believe so much in her. She is a trusted person and will not disappoint us. All our delegates will vote for her.”
    Olejeme also received encouragement from top Okpe leaders. Chief Tom Amioku, who spoke on their behalf, urged the people to support the push for dynamic leadership. He said Delta State is ripe for her first female governor.
    He added: “Leadership is not a function of tribe, sex or religion, but a matter of vision, determination and mission. Olejeme is a woman with a vision and a mission. She will take the state to a level higher than what we have as of now. She will make the difference.”
    In Udu Local Government Area, Olejeme the leaders assured  Olejeme of a bloc vote at the primaries. They described her as easy going, intelligent, articulate and frank person.
    Sefia, who spoke on their behalf, said: “Her achievements and humility have endeared her to us. When the time comes, she will assume her seat as the governor of the state.”
    Olejeme, who has not declared her intention to run for the governorship, thanked the stakeholders for their kind gestures.

  • Groups back NSITF boss for Delta governorship

    Women and youth groups have endorsed the governorship ambtion of the Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, in Delta State.

    The groups urged the technocrat to declare his aspiration before the end of the quarter, promising to mobilise support for his candidature.

    Former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development Mr. Raymos Guanah, who spoke on behalf of the ‘Elders’ Forum’, described her as the best governorship material.

    He said: “She appears more charismatic and more composed to raise Delta State to the next level of development.”

    Guanah, who spoke with reporters in Asaba, the state capital, expressed optimism that Olejeme would be the next governor of the state.

    He added: “Taking into consideration the public opinion prevailing among Deltans concerning the 2015 governorship election, Olejeme is the frontrunner. She will break the jinx in 2015 and become the first elected female governor in Nigeria.”

    The politician dismised the insinuation that Delta State is not ripe for a female governor.

    He said: “The best person for the job is Olejeme. Apart from her capability and intimidating political structure, she also commands large grassroots followership because of her love for the poor and the lowly people in the society,”

    Guanah said that the majority of Delta political leaders resolved to support Olejeme because they believed in her ability to do the job.

    He said she will build upon the developmental programmes of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

    Guanah said: “For Delta North to produce the governor, the leaders need to adopt a more holistic approach. They need to work together for the common goal of ensuring that she becomes the next governor of the State” he advised.

     

    The former commissioner appealed to Olejeme not to bow to pressure.

    He said: “No amount of intimidation, threat or blackmail should deter Olejeme. His ambition is in the interest of the state.”

    Guanah pointed out that Olejeme had been in the fore front of gender equality and workers’ progress in the country

    Olejeme is yet to officially declare her interest in the governorship. But, her supporters have been ben holding consultations with stakeholders, with a view to gaining wide acceptance whenever he officially joins the race.

     

  • Delta North mobilises for Olejeme

    Delta North mobilises for Olejeme

    The Movement for Good Governance and Development (MFGGAD) has urged the Chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Fund (NSITF), Dr Ngozi Olejeme, to join the 2015 governorship race.

    The group also advised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to make the mistake of picking a non-performer as its candidate.

    Its spokesman, Dr. Emmanuel Ogbechie, said in a statement that well-meaning indigenes, especially from Anioma axis, will support her bid for power.

    Ogbechie added: “In 2015, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan will leave office as the governor of Delta State. We want our great leader, a philanthropist, an entrepreneur and administrator, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, torun for the governorship in 2015

    “We have followed Olejeme’s activities for years. We strongly believe that she possesses the charisma, strength, courage, resilience, vision and the maturity to bring new ideas and perform positively to change the fortunes of the state.”

    Ogbechie dismissed many aspirants for the governorship, saying that they are pretenders.

    He said: “The task of developing Delta State beyond oil is too onerous and requires the maturity, dignity and vision of Olejeme. Many of the rumoured contestants represent narrow, sectional and divisive tendencies, which can only polarise the state and endanger unity, peace and progress”

    To attain the goal of a better Delta State, Ogbechie urged the indigenes to support Olejeme, adding that she will use her vast contacts to attract goodwill to the state.