METUH'S TRIAL STALLED ON HEALTH GROUNDS

Embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh was absent from his ongoing trial at an Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday due to his failing health.

Metuh’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu,SAN,while explaining the failure of his client to appear before the Justice Abang Okon led-court said the embattled PDP spokesman was on bed rest at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Metuh alongside his company Destra Investment Limited are standing trial for allegedly collecting the sum of N400m from the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki(rtd).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had alleged that the money was part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms for the military executing the war against insurgency in the North East.

Recall that the embattled spokesman had yesterday prayed the court to release his international passport to allow him travel to the United Kingdom to enable him get a better medical attention.

At today’s resumed hearing, Ikpeazu, after explaining why his client was not in court, passed a medical report signed by a neurosurgeon consultant, Dr. O.O Olaleye, confirming that Metuh was on bed rest at Abuja National hospital to the court registrar.

He also sought an adjournment of the matter citing the absence of the defendant, this the lead prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir did not oppose but also referred the court to section 266(a) and (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, which makes it mandatory for a defendant to be present in court whenever his trial comes up.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Abang held that the medical report was unhelpful, as it failed to indicate the period which the bed rest would last despite having a good reason not to appear in court. He added that the omission had left them in doubt on whether the report was issued in bad faith.

He, however, adjourned the matter till May 30 for continuation of trial.