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Court sets aside own order, closes Olisa Metuh’s case

By Joseph Onyekwere (Lagos) and Bridget Chiedu Onochie (Abuja)
04 July 2018   |   3:35 am
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday set aside his earlier ruling, where he closed the defense of former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh for alleged laundering of N400 million.

Former National Publicity Secretary, People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ), Chief Olisa Metuh PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Three women get 41 years jail term for human trafficking

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday set aside his earlier ruling, where he closed the defense of former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh for alleged laundering of N400 million.

The decision to set aside the order followed Metuh’s application seeking reopening of his defense.It held that the earlier order was made in default as Metuh was not heard before the case was closed.

Abang, in another ruling, also directed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to prosecute three employees of Channels Television for making alleged prejudicial comments on court proceedings.

The affected employees and presenters of Channels Sunrise Daily are: Chamberlain Usoh, Gimba Umar and Nneota Egbe.The judge gave the order after listening to a recorded television programme aired on Channels on May 22, 2018 involving the on-going trial of Metuh.

Also recommended for prosecution was one of Metuh’s counsel, Benchuks Nwosu. He subsequently adjourned trial till today for Metuh to resume his defense.Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday convicted and sentenced three women to 41 years imprisonment for trafficking in persons.

The convicts are Precious Owoh, also known as Ejiro, Blessing Gabriel and Rose Gabriel.Justice Babs Kuewumi gave the three convicts jail terms, after pronouncing them guilty over the charges leveled against them by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

They were arraigned sometime in October 2015 on a four-count charge bordering on recruiting, trafficking, exporting, promoting and facilitating one Udeogu Ann Ugochi, a 27-year old lady for prostitution in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They were said to have committed the crime with one Otubo Nicole, who is said to be at large, between October 2014 and July 2015.The offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 13 (1) (2) (b), 13 (4) (a) (c), 14 (b) and 18 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.The convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges and were accordingly admitted to bail on different terms.

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