Alleged N400m fraud: EFCC opposes Metuh’s bid to travel to UK for treatment ……..Witness tells court Jonathan okayed release of fund to fight APC’s ‘smear campaign’
Adetokunbo Fakeye
Nigeria anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, opposed bid by the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Metuh who is answering to a seven-count criminal charge bordering on alleged N400million fraud, had through an application dated May 16, prayed the court to allow him to visit the Royal London Hospital to take care of his deteriorating health.
The main opposition party spokesman specifically urged trial Justice Okon Abang to grant him five weeks medical leave abroad, as well as to order the Deputy Chief Registrar of the high court to release the international passport he surrendered as part of the conditions upon which he was granted bail on January 19.
While moving the application on Monday, Metuh’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, adduced four exhibits he prayed the court to consider and grant the request.
Among the exhibits included an MR1 report which he said indicated that Metuh’s spinal column “are rapidly compressing”, a development he said has necessitated an immediate surgery.
“We beg my Lord to holistically consider the documents as against the rather circumscribed and slanted sentences/extractions in the exhibits.
The 1st defendant is in dire need of urgent medical attention.