News
Hands-Off Metuh’s Trial, Jonathan, Dasuki Tell Abang
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and detained former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, rtd, yesterday, asked Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hands-off the ongoing trial of erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh
Jonathan, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, maintained that Justice Abang was bound to suspend further hearing on the case to allow the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to determine an appeal that was lodged before it by Dasuki. Ozekhome anchored the request on Order 4 Rules 10 and 11 of the Court of Appeal Rules.
Dasuki had gone before the appellate court to challenge Justice Abang’s refusal to quash the subpoena that was issued to compel him to appear as a witness in Metuh’s trial. Justice Abang had pursuant to an application by Metuh, summoned both Jonathan and Dasuki to appear and give evidence in the matter.
The former PDP spokesman who is answering to a seven-count corruption charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him and his company, Destra Investment Ltd, had described Jonathan and Dasuki as his crucial and vital witnesses. Failure of the duo to appear before the court on October 25 as they were directed, led to the trial Judge extending summons against them to yesterday.
Meanwhile, at the resumed proceeding, neither Jonathan nor Dasuki was present in court. Rather, Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, drew attention of the court to his client’s pending appeal, saying there was need for the trial Judge to hands-off for the appellate court.
Neverthless, absence of Dasuki in court infuriated the defence lawyers who urged Justice Abang to issue warrant of arrest against the Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura.
In his submission, counsel to the 2nd defendant, Mr. Tochukwu Onwugbufor, SAN, argued that action of the DSS by refusing to produce Dasuki as it was ordered to do, was in contempt and disrespect to the court.
He urged the court to apply the consequences provided by the law under section 244 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and order Daura’s arrest. Onwugbufor’s application for Daura to be arrested was immediately supported by both Metuh and Jonathan.
According to Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ozekhome, “My lord, it is inconceivable that the DSS could not bring a person who has been in their custody for two years and who has not been proved to be violent. I think they are taking this court for a ride. “This court is not a table tennis court, or basketball court or lawn tennis court.
“The applicable section, therefore, is section 243 and 244 of ACJA.” However, EFCC lawyer, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir told the court that he was informed by the DSS that Dasuki refused to be brought before the court.
Tahir said EFCC had in compliance to the order of the court, liaised with the Legal Adviser of the DSS on the need for the former NSA to be produced to give evidence in the trial.
“Up till this morning, exactly a quarter after 7am, the said Legal Adviser informed me that they were ready and willing to bring the intended witness to court, but that the subpoenaed witness said he has been advised by his legal team not to come to court.
“I told the Legal Adviser that in the circumstances the DSS found itself, they should personally come to court this morning to explain their situation to the honourable court. Our own role was to facilitate by liaising with the DSS and we have played our part.”
Later in the course of the proceeding, Tahir announced the appearance of one Mr. Echika Owete who he said was sent to represent the DSS. He urged Justice Abang to ignore request for an arrest warrant to be issued against the DSS DG.
“It appears my lord that the DSS indeed made genuine effort to bring the witness. The Legal Adviser sent me another text message around 9:45am that Dasuki has finally agreed to appear before this court. He said the message read: “Subject is still adamant and blatantly refused to appear in court except by force.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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