N400m scam: Metuh seeks transfer of case file to another judge

Embattled PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, has petitioned, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court through his lawyer, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), demanding transfer of his case file to another judge.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Abang said that the Chief Judge of the court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, informed him about the petition at about 4p.m. on March 16.
Abang said that the petition alleged that he was a classmate to Metuh at the Law School and that the court took some decisions in favour of the prosecution.
He said the defendants also claim that the record of proceedings was not released to them at the time they applied.
“Let me state here that I do not know that the first defendant was my classmate; it is now left for the defence to prove that.
“Immediately the defence applies for record of proceedings, my staff worked tirelessly to produce the copy for the defence counsel,’’ Abang said.
The judge said that it was on record that the case had enjoyed three adjournments in favour of Metuh.
“I have a circular from my employer which is the National Judicial Council regarding transfer of cases that once a judge starts a case, he must continue until a decision has been taken, unless, the chief judge decides otherwise,’’ he said.
Abang, however, said it was unethical for Etiaba to serve only the chief judge without serving the prosecution.
He said the action of the defence lawyer violated Section 39 (5) of the Rules of Legal Profession.
“I fear no evil; I will continue to do my job without fear or favour,’’ Abang ruled.
In his submission, the EFCC Counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, said that the petition was an attempt to truncate the trial.
Tahir said that the EFCC closed their case by calling eight witnesses, all of whom were cross examined by the defence lawyers.
“When it is time for them to open their defence, they are now coming up with different applications.
“I believe this is an attempt to blackmail the court,’’ Tahir said.
The defence lawyer, Mr Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), who noted that the petition was the position of the defence team, sought adjournment of the case.
Abang adjourned the case till March 23 for continuation.
Metuh was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of NSA retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.