I laundered $2m for Metuh, witness ‘confesses’

Nicole Ararume, a witness testifying against Olisa Metuh, spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday claimed that he gave her a cash amount of $2m for transfer into his company’s account.

Ararume, who was the wealth manager for Metuh’s Destra Investment Limited, claimed that she took the money to a bureau de change where it was converted into naira and paid into Metuh’s Asset and Resources Management account.

Earlier, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, Metuh’s lawyer, had asked the court to adjourn the case because he was not prepared to cross examine the witness.

“Her allegations are serious and there is need to get the necessary documents to enable me cross examine her,” he said.

However, Tahir Sylvanus, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asked the court to overrule the request, arguing that counsel to the defence had enough time to prepare for the trial.

“It has been known to the defence that the trial will commence today, as such, it should have adequately prepared for the case,” he argued.

After listening to the submissions of the counsel, Okon Abang, the presiding judge of the federal high court, Abuja, ruled that the matter must continue.

Metuh is facing seven-count charges of money laundering to the tune of N400m before the court.

He is a facing another charge for destruction of document at the federal capital territory high court, Abuja.

He has been granted bail for the two charges, but he is yet to perfect the conditions of his bail.

Photo Credit: Sahara reporters