The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Abuja requesting that his matter be reassigned to another judge.
This was disclosed by the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang of the same court on Thursday when the embattled PDP spokesman was scheduled to open his defence.
Justice Abang, while confirming the information from both counsels said, “Are you aware that Metuh through one of his counsels, Emeka Etiaba has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, asking that the matter be reassigned because they were classmates back in law school, adding that he may not get justice.”
“According to a circular by my employer, where there is a petition asking for transfer of a matter to another judge, the trial judge shall continue to preside over the matter.
“The court shall not be blackmailed, i shall continue to preside over the matter until the Chief Justice decides on the petition.”
The prosecutioned by Silvanus Tahir claimed ignorance of such petition but the defence counsel for the day, I.E.Adedipe in his reply however said, “A letter from any member of the defence team covers all and I will like to leave it at that.”
Ealier, Adedipe informed the court that the lead defendants counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu asked for an adjournment sequel to an earlier letter from the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir for a stand down from the scheduled 9:00am till 12noon.
Ipeazu in a letter through Adedipe informed the court that the adjournment was to allow him go for an eye surgery in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Responding to the defence submission, Tahir said “I am dumbfounded and baffled, going by court records from date of arraignment till now the defendant has been represented by legions of lawyers of which Ikpeazu is just the lead counsel and Adedipe is part of the team,
“Saying Metuh must be represented by Ikpeazu alone is giving a wrong perception.”
However the judge while quoting Section 396(4) of the Administration Criminal Justice Act, the judge adjourned the matter till March 23 the matter till March 23 for Metuh to enter his defence.
Metuh is standing trial on the allegation of money laundry bing levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
EFCC also accused Metuh of receiving the sum of 400m from the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki(rtd) which was part of the funds meant for the purchase of arms for the military fight insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
Comments