Olisa Metuh
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday ordered the trial of former spokesman of the PDP Olisa Metuh to be conducted in his absence.
The judge gave the order because of, according to him, Metuh’s misconduct.
Justice Abang ruled in response to an application by Metuh’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba, (SAN) that the matter be adjourned to allow Metuh recuperate.
The prosecutor, Sylvanus Tahir, had on Tuesday, prayed the court to proceed with the matter despite in response to Metuh’s absence in court and despite Etiaba’s application for an adjournment.
As stated by Tahir, the law said defendants in criminal matters must be present in court, there was an exception to the rule where a misconduct was established.
Justice Abang, in his ruling, said he agreed with the submission of the prosecution that Metuh would fully disobey court directives.
As stated by Abang, Metuh was whispering loudly and groaning intermittently, giving the impression that he was in pain, making the temple of justice appear like an accident scene.
The judge added that the doctor had no business being in court since he was not sure under whose authority she came into the court, saying it was not under the court’s directives.
“In a normal situation, if there is an emergency in the courtroom, anybody can call a medical doctor to attend to the situation,” the judge said. May 22 where prejudicial comments were made,” the judge said.
He adjourned the matter until May 24 for continuation of trial in Metuh’s absence saying Metuh would not be denied fair trial.