Court declines to suspend Metuh’s trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined request to delay the trial of ex-spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, to enable detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed  Dasuki to consult his records.

Dasuki who was summoned to testify as Metuh’s witness, had on Wednesday said he needed time to consult his records to be able to recall his dealing with Metuh and his company, Destra Investment, while in office.

Based on Dasuki’s position, lawysers to Metuh and his company – Emeka Etiaba and Tockukwu Nwugbufor (both Senior Advocates of Nigeria) sought adjournment in the case to enable Dasuki consult his records, a request prosecution lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir objected to.

In a ruling on Friday morning, the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang said he could not adjourn the trial for Dasuki to consult his personal documents that are not in evidence before the court.

The judge said it was for Metuh’s lawyer to use his professional skill to ask Dasuki relevant questions that will elicit answers favourable to the case of his client.

Justice Abang said he had watched Dasuki’s demeanour in the witness box, saying he appeared “composed and relaxed”.

He said Etiaba (Metuh’s lawyer)  was at liberty to ask the witness questions based on the proof evidence already before the court, stressing that Dasuki’s answers would constitute his evidence in the trial.

The judge  said Dasuki could elect not to answer questions posed to him as he would be cross-examined by the prosecution based on his testimony with respect to the charge against the defendants.

He added: “This application for adjournment lacks merit, same is accordingly refused.”

The judge consequently directed Dasuki to resume his testimony.

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