A Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday granted former Head of Service to the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye bail.
Oronsaye’s counsel Joe Agi who filed an application seeking his client’s bail, informed the court that the charges the former Head of Service was being tried for was bailable.
The defence counsel argued that his client had never refused invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Urging the court to grant Orosanye bail, his lawyer said, “He has never refused to acknowledge the EFCC anytime he was called on and has being in their custody from March 8 till now. If granted bail, he will not jump and interfere with further investigation as claimed by the EFCC.”
Orosanye through his counsel assured the court that he was determined to face trial so as to prove his innocence.
Counsel to EFCC, O. Uket, however, opposed the bail application on the ground that the charges for which the accused person was standing trial for attracts a punishment of 14 years.
According to Uket, “Oronsaye who was a former Head of Service was vast in financial regulations, which he violated and on these grounds I urge the court to discountenance the bail application.”
The prosecution argued that the defendant was a former senior public service officer, who if admitted to bail could harass, intimidate and influence witnesses.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice O.O. Goodluck granted Oronsaye bail in the sum of N10m with two surities in the sum of N5m, who must be Directors in the Federal Civil Service, either retired or still in service and must be resident in the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Goodluck adjourned the matter till 24 March.
Oronsaye is standing trial before the court on a two count charge of corruption and obtaining money by false pretence.
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