Crime & Court
Court Grants EFCC’s Application To Continue Metuh’s Trial in Absential
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja has ordered that the trial of Olisa Metuh, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would henceforth continue in his absence.
The judge gave the order on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 while ruling on an application by Silvanus Tahir, counsel to the EFCC, urging the court to continue with the trial in the absence of the embattled erstwhile spokesperson who collapsed in court on Monday while making his way to the dock.
Tahir, in his application argued that Metuh had acted in defiance to the judge’s order to remain where he was seated while the proceedings went on.
He also argued that the defendant had in the past employed all manners of delay tactics to frustrate his trial.
On the other hand, Metuh’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, wanted a long adjournment to enable his client to recover to continue his trial adding that “prosecution is only for the living”.
In his ruling, Justice Abang held that, ” The application by the prosecution deserves to succeed”.
Relying on Section 266 (a) and Section 352(4) of the ACJA, 2015 Justice Abang said the court was disposed to proceed with the trial in Metuh’s absence, considering his previous attempts to scuttle and frustrate the trial.
The judge noted that Metuh deliberately ignored his lawful directive instructing him to remain seated and not to go into the dock. He said the defendant chose to go into the dock and fell down in the process and was screaming to give the impression that he was in pain.
The court also granted an application by the prosecution to summon the General Manager of Channels Television, Abuja and a presenter with the station, Maupe Ogun- Yusuf to appear before the court in respect of what he called “prejudicial statements” made by a lawyer, Ben Chuks Nwosu on Tuesday edition of ‘Sunrise Daily” aired on the station.
The judge in granting the application ordered the duo to appear on May 25.
In the meantime, the matter has been adjourned to Thursday, May 24, for continuation of defence.
A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has granted human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, bail to the tune of ₦30 million. The court also mandated Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed properties within its jurisdiction.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered Farotimi to refrain from granting media interviews and to submit his international passport to the authorities. The case has been adjourned to February 13, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi, who had been remanded at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court premises on Friday at approximately 9:45 a.m. He was conveyed in a prison van accompanied by a police escort. Upon arrival, the embattled lawyer raised his hands in appreciation of a cheering crowd that had gathered outside the court to show their solidarity.
The human rights advocate is facing prosecution for allegedly defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola. His arrest has ignited widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians and civil society groups condemning the action and demanding his immediate release.
Farotimi’s detention and subsequent arraignment have fueled debates about the boundaries of free speech and defamation laws in Nigeria, with critics arguing that the case may stifle dissenting voices in the country.
Police operatives have apprehended a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey, in possession of a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.
The suspect, a native of Ikono Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on November 22, 2024, at 6:38 pm following credible intelligence.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
The statement revealed that officers attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, acted swiftly to intercept Bassey.
During interrogation, he admitted to being a member of a local vigilante group but confessed to plans of absconding with the weapon to join a criminal gang involved in armed robbery and other illicit activities.
“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state,” the statement read.
In light of the situation, the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for a thorough investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property, urging vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.
Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered an accelerated trial of four bloggers accused of defaming and cyberstalking the management of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), including its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
The defendants—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—face a 10-count amended charge for allegedly publishing false and defamatory content about GTCO on various social media platforms.
During proceedings on November 13 and 14, Justice Faji dismissed their bail applications, citing the severity of the charges, which carry potential penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
The judge specifically noted that Precious Eze had previously been charged with a similar offense in another court and was on bail at the time of the alleged actions, demonstrating a likelihood of reoffending.
Justice Faji emphasized the destabilizing impact such actions could have on the banking sector, pointing to the cross-border nature of some of the allegations.
“The regulatory oversight of institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should not be undermined by false claims,” the judge remarked, referencing GTCO’s CBN-approved audited statements.
At the previous hearing, defense counsel Afolabi Adeniyi had urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the defendants were ready to stand trial.
However, the prosecution counsel, Chief Aribisala, SAN, opposed the motion, raising concerns about the defendants potentially absconding and stressing the need for a swift trial.
In his ruling, Justice Faji rejected the defense’s plea, ordering an expedited trial to address the case’s significant implications for the financial industry.
The trial has been adjourned to December 10 and 12 for continuation.
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