Torn Statement: Illness stalls Metuh”s trial again

The trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh over allegation that he destroyed evidence has again been stalled due to the defendant’s ill health. The court did not sit today after being intimated of the absence of the defendant in court. Metuh was said to be on treatment […]

The trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh over allegation that he destroyed evidence has again been stalled due to the defendant’s ill health.

The court did not sit today after being intimated of the absence of the defendant in court. Metuh was said to be on treatment at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Subsequently, upon agreement between the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, and defence counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN), March 2nd was communicated to the court as the new agreed date for the continuation of trial.

The prosecution had on October 10, 2016 closed its case after calling two witnesses.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Metuh before Justice Ishaq Bello of an FCT High Court over allegation that he tore and attempted to chew a confessional statement he made under caution while undergoing interrogation.

The anti-graft agency insisted that the said statement would have been vital to the prosecution of the criminal ‎case pending against Metuh before the Federal High Court.

It said that Metuh, by his action, committed an offence contrary to sections 166 and 326 of the Penal Code Act.