EFCC re-arraigns ex-NHIS boss, one other over $2.1m fraud

Former NHIS boss, Oluwafemi-Thomas

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, re-arraigned a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Oluwafemi Thomas, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

A Bureau de Change operator, Kabiru Sidi, was arraigned alongside Mr Thomas.

The anti-graft agency slammed an amended seven-count charge on them bordering on money laundering to the tune of $2,198,900.

EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, alleged that Thomas conspired with his wife, Funmi, to make a cash payment of $2,198,900 to one Ibitoye Bamidele at their residence on 20, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Road, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Mr Sidi was said to have lied to the EFCC that he owned the money which Thomas and wife transacted with.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Ayokunle Faji granted the request on the existing bail and adjourned further proceedings till March 19, 20, and 21, for the continuation of trial.

He also ordered the EFCC to inform the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) about the case, especially as the defendants’ international passports have been deposited in court.