The last witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Umar Abba-Tilde in the ongoing trial of former Head of Service, Stephen Oronsaye, has admitted that Oronsaye was at no time a signatory to the Federal Pension Accounts where alleged fraud was perpetrated.
The witness who is Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank PLC told the Federal High Court in Abuja 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, 000 and N28, 375, 000 were transferred from a pension account to a company on July 6, and 7, 2010 respectively.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe as the 21st prosecution witness, he confirmed that mandates relating to the pension accounts were submitted by his bank to the EFCC in January 2020 based on request.
The witness further told the court that a letter dated August. 24, 2010 signed by Oronsaye as the then Head of Service of the Federation instructed the bank that all e-payments must henceforth have final endorsement from the office.
However, under cross examination by Oronsaye’s lead counsel, Joe Agi, the witness said that the former HOS did not sign mandate for the two transfers made in 2010.
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He also informed Justice Inyang Ekwo that the defendant was not a signatory to the pension accounts adding that Shuaib Sani Teidi, Eu Chide, Mohammed Kaltung Ahmed, Hassan Mohammed and Attah Danladi were the signatories to the accounts.
After the witnesses testimony, the prosecuting counsel closed its case against Oronsaye after calling 21 witnesses and tendering several documents.
Counsel for Oronsaye, Agi moved for an adjournment to enable the defendant open his defence with only two witnesses.
Justice Ekwo subsequently fixed March 9 and 10 for Oronsaye to open his defence.
Oronsaye is being tried, alongside others, for allegedly using inflated biometrics enrolment contracts, and other schemes to siphon money from accounts in which pensioners funds were kept.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
