The trial, which is before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court was adjourned abruptly for the second time in two weeks following Metuh’s ill health.
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However, when the case was called with the already in the box, counsel to Metuh, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) informed the court that Metuh could not make it to court because he was placed on bed rest at the National Hospital, Abuja.
He consequently asked the court to adjournment to enable him adequate time to recover and stand his trial.
At today’s resumed hearing, Ikpeazu, after explaining why his client was not in court, passed a medical report signed by a neurosurgeon consultant, Dr. O.O Olaleye, confirming that Metuh was on bed rest at Abuja National hospital to the court registrar.
Justice Abang held that he will deliver his ruling on Metuh’s request to seek medical treatment overseas today.
However, before delivering his ruling, the Judge remarked that though Metuh had good reason to be absent from court, the medical report did not indicate how long Metuh will remain in the hospital, and for that the report was unhelpful to the court.
After listening to both counsels the judge adjourned till Wednesday to rule on the matter.
He subsequently urged the court to grant Metuh an adjournment to enable him to have adequate rest.
But considering Sections 352 (4) and 266 (a) and (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and the medical report, Abang adjourned the matter to May 30, 2016 for continuation of trial.
Metuh who is standing trial for allegedly collecting 400 million Naira from the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, was absent in court at the resumption of trial.
It would be recalled, after yesterday’s trial, Metuh gave reasons to why he needed to travel overseas for medical treatment.
The judge faulted the report on the ground that it did not state the duration of Metuh’s supposed bed rest. “I have been wondering if the omission was in good faith or in bad faith, because the duration should have been provided”, the court held.
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Meanwhile, the trial of Metuh on the seven count charge of corruption, breach of public trust and money laundering will continue on Tuesday pending the ruling on his request to be allowed to travel overseas for his treatment on Wednesday.
