EFCC asks court to revoke Metuh’s bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail of former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olisa Metuh over his absence from trial.

EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir on Tuesday said Metuh’s absence was in breach of the terms of his bail, adding that his earlier application to be allowed to produce 10 more witnesses was a ploy to delay the trial.

Metuh was expected in court yesterday after his lawyers earlier apologised for his absence, citing a medical report from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State signed by one Dr Ekwuogu O.C.

According to the letter brought by Metuh’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the doctor explained that Metuh has a spinal chord ailment and would soon be moved to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.

But EFCC counsel opposed the application saying there was no verifying affidavit or means of identification of the purported medical doctor. He described the letter as “a trash fit for the dustbin”, and advised the court not to waste judicial time on the application.

Justice Okon Abang then summoned the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, who described the letter as deceptive. “I am not sure the person who signed it is a party and there are no names of parties on it. It has no verifying affidavit,” she said.

The judge has fixed today for further hearing on the application.