Dr Olugbumi Usim-Wilson has filed an application to withdraw as a surety to Olisa Metuh, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, standing trial for alleged money laundering.
Usin-Wilson’s made this known at the resumed trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
The application, dated October 4, before Justice Okon Abang, prayed the court to remove her name from the list of people standing as sureties to Metuh.
But Metuh, in swift reaction filed an application, dated October 14, praying the court to allow him replace Usim-Wilson, with the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
The Counsel to the applicant, Mr Clement Chinaka,urged the court to hear the application for withdrawal first and not the one for withdrawal.
Metuh’ Counsel, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), observed that if the application for withdrawal was taken before that of replacement, his client might risk going back to prisons.
He, therefore, urged the court to use its discretion in the matter.
Abang, in a short ruling, held that the court would take the application of Metuh first since he had been consistent in his trial.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case till October 27 for hearing of both applications.
The EFCC had filed a seven-count charge of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering against Metuh.
The EFCC accuse him of receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), believed to be part of a $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement allegedly diverted by Dasuki.
