Metuh’s trial stalled, court to decide if he can travel abroad for treatment
– Olisa Metuh’s counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu sought for an adjournment of trial following his client’s ailing health
– Ikpeazu brought a letter from Dr. Oyeleye which said the defendant was under admission at the National Hospital
– The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang in his ruling said the medical report omitted the duration of time needed by the defendant to recuperate
The trial of the former national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisah Metuh has been stalled following his ailing health.
At the resumption of the trial Tuesday, May 24, Metuh’s counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu sought for an adjournment of the matter.
Ikpeazu through a medical report signed by Dr. O. O. Oyeleye a consultant, Neurosurgeon of the National Hospital, Abuja prayed the court to adjourn the case.
Metuh is facing a seven-count charge by the EFCC
A letter from Dr. Oyeleye said the defendant was under admission at the National Hospital.
Having no objection to the prayer for adjournment, the prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir however urged the court to make necessary inquiry on the defendant’s health condition.
READ ALSO: PDP spokesperson, Metuh rushed back to national hospital
Ikpeazu also said: “The paper cannot be read alone with the antecedents of the first defendant.”
He urged the court to discountenance a circumcised approach by the prosecution on the matter.
But Justice Okon Abang in his ruling said the medical report signed by the doctor was not helpful to the court.
Abang said the report did not state the duration of time needed by the defendant to recuperate.
“The report is not helpful to the court on the duration of time for the bed rest, the doctor ought to have provided the period. I have been wondering if the omission was in good faith or in bad faith, because the duration should have been provided,”Abang said.
But considering Sections 352 (4) and 266 (a) and (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and the medical report, Abang adjourned the matter to May 30, 2016 for continuation of trial.
He also said that the court would deliver ruling on Metuh’s application seeking for release of his passport, if it is ready by Wednesday May 25, 2016.
READ ALSO: How Metuh queried source of funding for PDP campaign publicity
Metuh had on Monday, May, 23, applied for the release of his passport by the court to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
NAIJ.com had earlier gathered that the former PDP spokesperson, had a spinal implant which makes it difficult for him to either sit or stand for a long period of time.
Since his trial, Metuh is always seen walking with the help of either relatives or associates while sometimes his lawyers take permission from the court to allow him (Metuh) take a stroll outside the courtroom.
Metuh alongside his company, Destra Investment Limited is facing a seven-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He is alleged to have illegally received N400 million from the former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
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