N400m fraud: Metuh asks court to re-open his defence

Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, whose defence was closed for being absence in court, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to re-open the case to enable him conclude his defence. Defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), on Monday told Justice Okon Abang to re-open the closed case to enable […]

Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, whose defence was closed for being absence in court, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to re-open the case to enable him conclude his defence.

Defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), on Monday told Justice Okon Abang to re-open the closed case to enable Metuh bring in his outstanding witnesses.

Justice Abang had in June closed Metuh’s case after his eleventh witness concluded his evidence, with no additional witness available.

Metuh is facing a seven-count charge of receiving the sum of N400m arms funds from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki in 2014.

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 under Section 266 (a) of the ACJA after he fell in court.

The case continues tomorrow.