– The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir had just apologised to the court for a stand down on the matter due to his engagement at the Supreme Court
– The defense counsel, Ifedayo Adedikpe, prayed the court to adjourn the trial in the light of the lead counsel’s application
– Olisa Metuh’s trial was stood down in the morning of Thursday, March 17
Olisa Metuh and his lawyer at the federal high court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 17 alleged plans by counsels of the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to blackmail it.
READ ALSO: Metuh loses suit against EFCC on fundamental human rights
The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir had just apologised to the court for a stand down on the matter due to his engagement at the Supreme Court.
He also told the court that the case is for the defense to continue claiming his team is ready.
But the defense counsel, Ifedayo Adedikpe, said he is aware that at the last hearing, the court adjourned to 9.am today.
“Ordinarily, there is nothing difficult in fielding witness, however the lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, have written to the court indicating that he received a letter from the counsel of the EFCC requesting that the matter be stood down to 12 noon,” Adedikpe said.
He said the lead counsel rescheduled his eye surgery for 2.pm today and has applied for an adjournment on the matter.
“My lord, like I said, any witness can be fielded but I have not prepared any witness, Dr. Ikpeazu did that,” he said.
Adedikpe prayed the court to adjourn the trial in the light of the lead counsel’s application.
But Tahir in his objection said: “My lord, to be honest I am dumbfounded on this.”
He said the defendant has since the beginning of the case being represented by a legion of lawyers of which Ikpeazu is just a lead counsel.
He said Adedikpe who is making an excuse for the lead counsel can open the defense case.
“An impression is being created that without Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu the case cannot go and that is wrong,” Tahir said.
He added that the prosecution is being blackmailed as being unsympathetic in the plight of the lead counsel.
“Ordinarily, an of the lead’s able hands could take up the defense. So my lord in the circumstance, even the undertaking made by Adedikpe, I would wish to continue with the case on any date the court seems fit,” Tahir said.
But quickly, the defense counsel denied any blackmail in the application before the court.
READ ALSO: Metuh’s trial stood down over lawyer’s ill-health
Metuh’s trial was stood down in the morning of Thursday, March 17, for 12.pm today.
Metuh is facing charges for illegally receiving N400 million from the former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki.
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Why EFCC is alleging blackmail in Metuh’s trial
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