Jonathan not needed in Metuh's trial – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Tuesday it could effectively prosecute the trial of Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) spokesman, Olisa Metuh, without involving former President Goodluck Jonathan in the case.

EFCC's position followed Metuh's argument that since Jonathan was allegedly involved in the process leading to the payment of funds for his presidential campaign, the ex-president is a necessary witness in the case.

Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited, are being tried before the Federal High court, Abuja, for allegedly receiving N400m from the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for security services, which he allegedly diverted to fund his party's activities.

They are also accused of flouting the money laundering Act by making $2m suspicious investments.

At the conclusion of the prosecution's witness last week, Metuh filed a no-case submission in court.

In the application, he argued among others, that the prosecution has failed to make out a prima facie case against him by not inviting Jonathan as its witness.

The EFCC in its response argued that it had conveniently made out a case against Metuh for which the court should direct him to enter defence.

The commission argued that Jonathan is not a necessary prosecution witness, saying it has effectively established its case with the number of witnesses invited to testify in court.

It urged the court to dismiss Metuh's no-case argument. The Nation