A Federal High Court sitting before Justice Okon Abanga has slammed the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olisah Metuh, with N400 million bail.
The court in its ruling on the bail application filed by the counsel to Metuh, the court asked for two sureties in the sum of N200 million each, who must have property in Maitama area of Abuja with statutory registration of occupancy.
“I have again carefully considered the provision of Section 162 of the act and the counter affidavit by the respondent. The court of law cannot act on speculation. The allegations against the applicant by the EFCC cannot be used to deny the defendant bail,” the court held.
The court also averred that the truth of the allegation that Metuh tore his statement while under detention was yet to be ascertained.
While the court registrar is expected to confirm and verify the certificate of occupancy, which the EFCC must also verify, as well as the residence of the sureties.
The sureties are also expected to submit to the court registrar their recent passport photographs, while the defendant (Metuh) is also expected to submit his international passport before the court.
The trial judge adjourned the matter to January 25, for trial. Metuh is facing trial over receipt of N400 million from former President Goodluck Jonathan by the EFCC, for projects, which he had since kept mum about the details.
