Ex-PDP Secretary collapses during fraud trial in court

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, collapsed in court during the resumption of his money laundering trial at a Federal High Court in

When his case was called by the court, Metuh, who was using a walking aid to support himself, was asked to remain seated but he refused the instruction and collapsed while he was walking to the dock inside the courtroom.

After Metuh's dramatic collapse, presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang, took a short recess to allow medical officials attend to him.

After a doctor, identified as an employee of the Federal High Court, attended to Metuh and reported his findings to Justice Abang, he ordered that the defendant be taken to see his doctor and then adjourned the trial till Tuesday, May 22. Metuh left the courtroom on a stretcher and left the court premises in an ambulance.

Metuh has made three separate appeals to the court to release his international passport and grant him permission to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment as he is reported to be suffering from spinal cord injuries.

Metuh made a dramatic court appearance on a stretcher on February 5, 2018, after Justice Abang ordered that he show up in court or have his bail revoked.

During another court hearing on March 14, 2018, when he appeared on a wheelchair, his counsel, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), presented a letter from one Dr. Adrian T.H. Kasey, a neurosurgeon at Wellington Hospital in London, who said Metuh needs to be treated urgently. In his last application, Etiaba, said Metuh had lost sensation in his legs.

Justice Abang has repeatedly turned down Metuh's applications to travel abroad, accusing him of harbouring a hidden agenda to paint the court as inhumane.

Metuh's trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited, on a seven-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering.

The alleged offence involved $2 million and N400 million which the defendant allegedly received from the office of then-National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, in 2014.

While the money was earmarked "for security services" in the exhibits presented to the court, Metuh allegedly spent it on the party and personal affairs.