Metuh’s Ill Health Stalls Trial As Judge Adjourns Case To May 17

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, April 27, (THEWILL) – The trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, at the Federal High Court in Abuja was on Wednesday adjourned to May 17 following his ill health.

Metuh, who is facing a seven-count charge of corruption and money laundering, is standing trial before Justice Okon Abang along with his company, Destra Investment.

During Wednesday's sitting, the PDP spokesman was to continue with his defence when his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu informed the court that his client was indisposed and would want a two-week adjournment.

When the judge asked how many witnesses he has left, having called one, Ikpeazu said he was considering calling five, and that two were with him in court on Wednesday.

Prosecution lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, did not object to Ikpeazu's request for adjournment, admitting that he is aware of Metuh's ill-health.

The trial judge then adjourned the matter till May 17 and 18 to allow the first defendant attend to his health.

Despite reports that he slumped at a meeting of his party on Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital, Metuh said he had to appear in court for the continuation of his trial so that his bail conditions will not be revoked.

Speaking with journalists at the court premises, Metuh said he defied doctor's orders to be in court, adding that: “If I am not here my bail conditions may be revoked and I don't want that; but I have been here for three hours and we haven't started. That's why my lawyers asked for an adjournment.”

Spotting a dark blue native shirt on a blue pair of trousers, he said: “The doctor did not want to release me, but I insisted.

“No matter the condition I cannot wait to defend myself,” Metuh added.