The trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh continued at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s prosecuting team led by Sylvanus Tahir presented its fifth and sixth witnesses before the court to give their testimonies with regard to the on going matter.
The first witness presented to the court by the prosecution was Olayinka Badejo, the Managing Directors of CMC connect. He told the court that the embattled spokesman of the PDP had through his company, Destra Investment Limited paid over N70m into his company account for publicity for the party prior to the last Presidential election.
Okusanya said CMC was a Public Relations Consultant which is into publicity, promotions, image management and media related services.
According to Okusanya, the N70m was paid only for the publicity “jobs” they did for the PDP.
Okusanya said, “In December 2014, Metuh through Destra Investment Limited paid the sum of N7.5m in cheques in my name and was transfered to my company.”
He added that, ” on 15th of December, 2014, Metuh transferred the sum of N70m through his company again after which we commenced publicity work for the PDP.
The second witness, Kabir Ibrahim, a beaurea-de- change operator in Abuja diclosed to the court how he was contacted by an associate of Destra Investments, Nneka Ararume to change $1m.
Ibrahim said “Nneka Ararume in December 2014 called me saying she had $1m to sell which I obliged at the rate of N183, totaling N183m in naira equivalent of which I paid into Destra Diamond account through my Access Bank account.”
He further disclosed to the court that Destra account details were given to him by Ararume.
The EFCC had arraigned Metuh on a seven count charge of money laundry.
The anti-graft agency had alleged that the embattled spokesman received the sum of N400m from the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki(rtd) money meant for the procurement of arms for the military fighting insurgency in the north-east.
Both prosecuting witnesses were, however, cross-examined after which they were asked to go.
After listening to both witnesses, the trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter till February 4th for continuation of trial.
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