Meet Jide James Zeitlin, The Nigerian Man Named Alongside Dangote In Jeffrey Epstein Files
Jide James Zeitlin, a Nigerian-born investment professional and former Fortune 500 CEO, has been named in documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files recently made public by the United States Department of Justice.
The references to Zeitlin appear in email correspondence included in the Epstein files, a large collection of records such as emails, contacts, travel logs, and court exhibits released under federal transparency requirements following years of public demands for disclosure.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex offences, died in custody in 2019.
Findings revealed that one of the documents released features an email exchange between Epstein and Zeitlin discussing business matters related to Nigeria.
Another record mentions a meeting involving “Mr Dangote the richest man in Nigeria,” referring to Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and founder of the Dangote Group.
These mentions have sparked online speculation and rumours linking the names to Epstein.
However, the Department of Justice has emphasised that the files do not accuse Zeitlin, Dangote or others named of any criminal wrongdoing.
Further investigations showed that many individuals appear solely as contacts or in routine communications unrelated to Epstein’s crimes.
The department’s investigation centred on Epstein’s sex trafficking network and victim protection and not on broader public speculation.
Zeitlin, originally from Ibadan, Nigeria, rose from humble beginnings; born to a maid and later adopted and raised by an American family to become a prominent figure in global finance.
He attended Amherst College and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Zeitlin also spent over two decades at Goldman Sachs, where he became a partner and held senior roles. He later served as chairman and CEO of Tapestry Inc., the parent company of luxury brands Coach and Kate Spade, making him one of the few Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company at the time.
After stepping down from Tapestry in 2020 amid personal allegations unrelated to Epstein (which he acknowledged involved a past consensual relationship), Zeitlin has focused on advisory work in infrastructure, sovereign investments and international finance.
His career has involved engagements with government officials and business leaders in various countries, including Nigeria.
OSUN DEFENDER’s findings also show that the Epstein files, released in tranches to promote transparency, do not represent findings of guilt against those mentioned.
An explainer on the subject stated that, “The DOJ has noted that inclusion in the documents often reflects incidental or professional associations rather than involvement in wrongdoing.
“As with prior releases related to Epstein, officials stress the importance of distinguishing verified facts from misinformation and rumours circulating online. No charges or allegations of criminal activity have been brought against Zeitlin or Dangote in connection with these documents.”
As at the time of filing this report, neither Zeitin or Dangote has officially responded to public concerns on the matter. matter.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
