Oronsaye: EFCC closes case after 21 witnesses

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Thursday concluded its case against a former Head of Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, over alleged fraud.  Oronsaye was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja in June 2016 on allegations of diversion of funds in the civil service biometric data project. Umahi condemns killing of security […]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Thursday concluded its case against a former Head of Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, over alleged fraud. 

Oronsaye was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja in June 2016 on allegations of diversion of funds in the civil service biometric data project.

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At the resumed hearing on Thursday, witness number 21, Umar Abba Tilde testified that Oronsaye was not a signatory to the Federal Pension Accounts where alleged fraud was perpetrated.

Abba Tilde, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank PLC, stated that he could not ascertain whether Oronsaye ever made an endorsement for withdrawal from the accounts.

The banker, who testified for the anti-graft agency revealed that two withdrawals, N161, 472, 00 and N28, 375, 000 were transferred from a pension account to a company on July 6, and July 7, 2010 respectively.

While led in evidence by EFCC lawyer,  Oluwaleke Atolagbe, the witness confirmed that mandates relating to the pension accounts were submitted by his bank to the EFCC in January 2020 based on request.

However, under cross examination by Mr Joe Agi, lead counsel to Oronsaye, the witness said that the former HOS did not sign mandate for the two transfers made in 2010.

Justice Ekwo fixed March 9 and 10 for Oronsaye to open his defence.