I’m not guilty, Oronsaye tells court

Mr Steve Oronsaye, former Nigeria’s Head of Service on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to a two count-charge of fraud and criminal conversation of N900 million.

Oronsaye is alleged to have committed the crime while he was the Chairman of Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force.

Having taken his plea, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asked for a later date to commence the trial.

The counsel to Orasanye, however, rejected the application and asked the court to commence with the trial immediately.

The counsel to the EFCC then asked for a stand-down of the case to give the Commission time to prepare and return back to court.

The case is expected to begin in the next one hour.

The EFCC, on March 8, invited the former Head of Service for questioning over allegations of corruption and obtaining money by false pretence.

Oronsaye was called in from his Abuja residence almost eight months after a Federal High Court ordered his release.

He was granted bail on self-recognition by a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital in July 2015.

Mr Steve Oronsaye, who was charged along with two others, was asked to deposit his travel documents with the court to fully secure his bail.