The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Thursday arraigned the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh before the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Federal High Court, Abuja on a fresh two count charge bordering on alleged destruction of confessional statement he made while in its custody.
This is coming barely 48 hours after a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abang Okon granted the embattled PDP spokesman bail over a seven-count charge bordering on money laundry.
The anti-graft agency had on January 12 accused Metuh of tearing a confessional statement he made to its operatives.
Metuh was driven into the premises of the FCT High Court on Thursday morning by the anti-graft agency, preparatory to fresh charges in handcuffs.
He was later brought before Justice Ishaq Bello, who is the Chief Judge of FCT High Court and accused of attempting to destroy evidence in the course of interrogation at the office of the EFCC.
Count one of the charge contains allegation of destruction of a statement he had given at the commission, to prevent it from being produced, while count two has to do with allegations of mischief, all punishable under section 327 of the Penal Code Act.
Following his not guilty plea, counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, asked for more time to allow his team present witnesses and evidence in support of the allegations against Metuh.
Justice Bello held that the EFCC must produce three witnesses during the next sitting, unfailingly, adding that there was no need to bring the case before him since it was ongoing at a Federal High Court.
However, Tahir said the fresh charges filed on January 18, were not the same as those currently being heard at the Federal High Court.
Justice Bello consequently adjourned the case till January 25, for hearing of bail application, while adding that information on whether the substantive suit will be heard on Friday would be relayed later. He ordered that Metuh be return to Kuje Prison.
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