Olisa Metuh to Face Trial without Lawyers

Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja High Court has ruled that the trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh would commence by 12pm today, March 17 in spite of the absence of his lawyers.

Chief Olisa Metuh was charged to the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 7 counts of fraud involving the N400 million payment he got from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in November 2012 and another $2m money laundering cash transaction.

When the case was called at 9am, the presiding judge, Justice Abang received a letter from Metuh’s lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), requesting for an adjournment as he had to travel to the University of Ilorin for treatment.

Metuh was in court on Thursday but none of his lawyers were.

The judge however, noted that Ikpeazu did not specify which hospital he would be receiving the said treatment at.

Another letter was also handed to Justice Abang by the prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir.

Tahir requested the judge to stay proceedings until 12pm to enable him make an appearance for an appeal at the Supreme Court.

Speaking on Ikpeazu’s letter, Justice Abang said there was no proof that the letter asking for adjournment was administered to the prosecution team.

He ruled: “Therefore my lords, I am inclined to stand down the matter till 12pm for the defendant to open their defence. I will only take decision on the request for adjournment by 12pm.”

Olisa Metuh had his ‘no-case’ submission thrown out by Justice Abang on March 9.

Metuh had in his submission told the court to discharge and acquit him and his company, Destra Investments Limited on the grounds that the EFCC failed in its bid to link him to the alleged crimes.

The judge however, directed Metuh to open his defense in trial while explaining that the court could not at the early stages conclude on the guilt or innocence of the defendant.