Court Closes Olisa Metuh’s Case In His Absence

An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has closed the case of a former Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, in his absence.

Mr Metuh is facing trial for alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. He is being tried alongside his company, Dextra investment.


Mr Metuh fell while proceeding to the dock on May 21 and has not appeared in court since that day. His lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, had asked the court to adjourn the matter, following the incident, adding that the first defendant required time to recover from his ill-health. Following Mr Metuh’s fall on May, 21, Mr Etiaba indicated his decision to recuse himself from the matter after the judge, Okon Abang, decided to continue the trial with Mr Metuh lying on the floor.
Mr Etiaba’s request to withdraw was, however, refused by the court which described it as an attempt to delay the trial.


On Friday, the court completed its hearing of the testimonies from the 11th witness for the first defendant and discharged the witness, after ruling that Mr Etiaba has relinquished his rights to re-examine the witness.


Citing a previous Supreme Court decision, Mr Abang said the apex court had ruled that: ”where no excuse is offered by a counsel, no adjournment should be granted. The first defendant’s counsel abandoned proceedings,” Mr Abang ruled. The case of the first defendant is hereby closed.”