After Four Years Trial: Court Sentences Olisa Metuh To 7yrs in Prison

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday sentenced the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Olisa Metuh to seven years in prison.

Metuh has been undergoing trial for money laundering and criminal diversion of funds to the tune of N400 million brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In its ruling, the Court presided over by Justice Okon Abang handed down the sentence on seven counts charge brought against Metuh and his company, Destra investment by the EFCC.

Justice Okon sentenced Metuh after finding him guilty on all the charges filed against him by the EFCC and thereby convicted.

The conviction and sentence followed a protected trial of Metuh for over four years during which the trial witnessed a series of drama and adjournment over health-related issues.

Justice Okon sentenced Metuh to seven years imprisonment in respect to counts one to three while on count four, Metuh was sentenced to five years just as he bagged seven, three and seven years for counts 5, 6 and 7 years respectively.

The trial judge however ruled that all the sentences should run concurrently, with effect from February 25, 2020.

This means that Metuh will be serving jail term for seven years except if he appeals and there is a reversal of the High Court ruling.

Justice Okon equally sentenced Dextra Investment company to pay a fine of N25 million with respect to counts 5 and 6, while Metuh was also ordered to pay a fine of N375 million.

The Court also ordered that the account of Dextra Investment should be forfeited to the Federal Government and the company dissolved.