PDP Beg CJN To Intervene In Olisa Metuh’s Case

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, to intervene in the case of former PDP spokesperson, Olisa Metuh over the refusal to grant him permission to travel abroad for treatment.

The Lagos PDP made the plea via a statement released by its spokesperson, Gani Taofik on Sunday, May 29, 2016, according to Punch.

The statement reads:

“We ask the state not to take the ordinary prosecution to be a persecution as the whole efforts would be defeated if, God forbid, the defendant becomes permanently incapacitated due to lack of medical care for his peculiar ailments.

“He (Metuh) has survived several attacks and we think that this prosecution should not turn into persecution. We are of the belief that it is not the wish of the judicial system that a defendant dies or is permanently incapacitated during trial in circumstances that are ordinarily avoidable.

“Olisa Metuh is a lawyer and is aware of the implication of jumping bail. He is not likely to jump bail. We appeal that justice should be tempered with mercy as this is very appropriate in this circumstance.

“For the Federal Government not to kill the opposition, this (May 29) celebration is an auspicious moment to allow Metuh enjoy medical care in any place of his choice.

“This is a strong appeal to the conscience of the trial judge, the prosecutor and, indeed, the Chief justice of Nigeria to have a second consideration for the full bail of Chief Metuh, who is obviously very ill and unable to continue the rigours of the trials.”

An Abuja High Court recently refused Metuh’s request to travel abroad despite claims that he was suffering from hypertension, arthritis and diabetes.

The former PDP spokesman is facing charges of money laundering to the tune of N400 million and recently said that he’s willing to return the money in exchange for his freedom.