Metuh, lawyers absent as court closes his defence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has closed the case of former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh following his absence, inclduing his lawyer. Justice Okon Abang on Friday closed Metuh’s case after his eleventh witness concluded his evidence, with no additional witness available. Metuh had lined up seven additional witnesses, whom […]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has closed the case of former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh following his absence, inclduing his lawyer.

Justice Okon Abang on Friday closed Metuh’s case after his eleventh witness concluded his evidence, with no additional witness available.

Metuh had lined up seven additional witnesses, whom the judge said were absent in court, despite an order of court that they must be present at every proceeding.

The judge had earlier ruled that Metuh, who is said to be on admission at the National Hospital, Abuja for what doctors said is a ‘spondylotic spine ailment’, will be tried in absentia for misconduct after he fell in court.

However, at the resumed trial, his lawyer Emeka Etiaba (SAN) was also absent in court and no letter of explanation was sent to the court.

The judge said the action violates Section 349(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Rules 31 and 32 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practioners.

 

Details later…