Metuh: EFCC alleges delay tactics as lawyer is hospitalized

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that the former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, is employing means to frustrate the speedy conclusion of his trial.

Metuh, alongside his company, Destra Investments Ltd, is facing a seven-count charge of receiving the sum of N400m arms funds from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki in 2014 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir said this yesterday following the absence of lawyer to Metuh’s company, Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN) at the renewed hearing.

Onwugbufor had, through a lawyer in the chambers, said he is receiving treatment at a hospital in London, UK and asked for adjournment to November 29.

But Tahir said the request was made to cause maximum delay to the case.

Counsel to Metuh, Emeka Etiaba (SAN) said the choice of words used by the prosecuting counsel was disrespectful.

In his ruling, Justice Okon Abang said while the SAN could be absent on grounds of ill-health, he ought to appoint another counsel to represent him and adjourned the matter to Tuesday for hearing.

Meanwhile, the judge has also directed the EFCC to commence prosecution of one of Metuh’s defence lawyers Ben Chuks Nwosu over alleged contempt against the court on Channels TV.

He said the court will await the outcome of the appeal by Channels TV at the Court of Appeal, Abuja challenging its order against three anchors of the Sun Rise programme.