Newly declassified documents from the United States Department of Justice have raised fresh questions about the past engagements of Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah.
According to the documents, Enelamah attended private meetings in 2018 with financier Jeffrey Epstein, who had previously been convicted in the United States for sex-related offences involving minors. The meetings reportedly took place nearly a decade after Epstein’s initial conviction had already drawn widespread international criticism.
The records indicate that the connection was facilitated by Nigerian-born financier Jide Zeitlin, a former Goldman Sachs partner, who was at the time involved in efforts to advance a proposed deep-seaport project in Badagry, Lagos.
Correspondence cited in the files suggests that Zeitlin sought to involve international business figures, including Sultan Bin Sulayem, in discussions surrounding the project. The documents also reference a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, where Enelamah and Epstein were reportedly introduced in connection with the maritime development initiative.
A follow-up email dated May 2018, referenced in the declassified material, indicated that Enelamah later visited Zeitlin’s residence to continue discussions linked to earlier conversations involving Epstein.
Reacting to the disclosures, a spokesperson for the former minister said Enelamah had no involvement in any criminal activities connected to Epstein and that his interactions were limited to discussions related to investment and infrastructure.
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Enelamah, who served as minister between 2015 and 2019 and is also known as a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), had previously faced public scrutiny during his time in office over policy decisions and investment-related controversies, including disputes linked to telecommunications capital repatriation and questions surrounding special economic zone projects. None of those matters resulted in criminal convictions.
The documents also drew attention to Zeitlin, whose own career later suffered a setback following personal scandals in the United States, leading to his resignation as chief executive of a major fashion conglomerate in 2020.
As of press time, Enelamah had not issued a detailed personal statement addressing the nature of his meetings with Epstein or the extent of any discussions held. Observers say the disclosures may prompt renewed public debate about transparency and due diligence in international investment negotiations involving public officials.