Obinwanne Okeke, the Nigerian entrepreneur arrested by operatives of
the Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) on the last day of his
vision to the United States in August, pleaded not guilty to the two
count charge of wire and internet fraud at the commencement of his
trial on Monday September 16.
The Nigerian businessman was arraigned in court by 2pm, a week after
being indicted by a federal grand jury which examined evidence
gathered by the F.B.I. and presented by the United States Department
of Justice.
Ruling on the case on the first day of trial, US Magistrate, Douglas
Miller ordered that Mr Okeke be remanded in prison custody until
February 18, 2020 while also describing the fraud case as “complex”.
The trial of the Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur accused of
orchestrating the theft of $11 million from a foreign subsidiary of
American heavy equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar, is expected to
continue on the announced date.
The Nigerian businessman who was marked as a flight risk by US
Authorities, reportedly waived his right to a speedy trial on the
first day of his arraignment.
LIB reported earlier that Mr Okeke faces up to 30 years in prison if
convicted, as the grand jury which indicted him also recommended that
he should be made to forfeit at least $11 million in cash and asset or
both if found guilty. If convicted, it is also expected that he will
forfeit the emerald cut engagement ring found on him when he was
arrested.
