Court defers Metuh’s application asking for his passport to be released

      

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday deferred ruling on the application of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh to release his international passport to allow him travel abroad due to his failing health.

Metuh through his counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, had on May 16, 2016 filed a motion praying the court to allow him travel to the United Kingdom for proper medical attention.
Metuh who is standing trial for allegedly receiving the sum of N400m from the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki(rtd) could not make it to his last court sitting due to his health condition.

Metuh was reported to have vomited blood while on his way to court.
At today’s resumed trial, Ikpeazu informed the court that it had filed a better application still praying for the release of Metuh.
However, contending with Ikpeazu’s submission, the lead prosecution, Slyvanus Tahir argued that the medical report is inadmissible and the court does not have the power to ask Metuh to submit his international passport to the country’s embassy outside the country.

“The medical report is inadmissible and as such I urge the court to dismiss the application,” Tahir said.

One Metuh’s counsel, Tochukwu Onwuibufor prayed the court to release his client’s passport because when the court ordered “the defendants bail, no objection was raised.”
Justice Abang Okon in his ruling said, “I would have delivered ruling but its not possible because i have to study to better application by the defendant.
“I will delivered ruling on the application on the 25th of May.”
Abang, therefore, adjourned the matter till May 24 for continuation of trial.