By Myke Uzendu, Abuja Former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh has raised alarm over continued media trial and intimidation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) even after he was discharged and acquited by an Appeal Court. In a statement on Wednesday by Ebiloma Abdullahi, Special Assistant to Metuh, the PDP chieftain raised alarm over a recent publication on the media over a purported arraignment of Metuh, explaining that it exposes the desperation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a mere political weapon designed to use media trial and judicial harassment to intimidate and detract Metuh from active participation in politics. He said, "The Court of Appeal has in December 2020 dismissed Justice Okon Abang's judgement against Chief Metuh on grounds of manifest bias. "Thereafter Chief Metuh’s lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court for a discharge and acquittal on the merits of the case. This they did, notwithstanding that his earlier appeal at the Supreme Court for a no-case submission has still not been heard. "It is trite law that no prosecution can ever be done while the appeal at this stage at the Supreme Court has not been heard and decided". He said that evan as his team await the 30th of May, 2022, the EFCC should focus on the monumental corruption going on in the government. He said that "Despite the plethora cases of on-going grave financial malpractices the EFCC has neither made any arrest nor invitation to appointed officials of this administration who are treating Nigeria like Betnaija winnings. "Chief Metuh did not commit any financial crime. He is merely being persecuted for funds lawfully given for evidenced national assignment. Even at that, he has provided receipts and detailed statement of account for the national assignment. And it is on record he made no personal benefit whatsoever". The statement reported that Metuh has undergone several medical operations and treatments and now has a much-improved health to defend his good name, his freedom and his liberty from traducers. He challenged the anti graft agency to find out the financial crimes behind the ‘no light’, ‘no fuel’ 'massive oil-bunkering' and the dissemination of the value of our beloved naira. He advised the agency to leave political persecution and face the serious work of fight financial crimes.
Metuh raises alarm over harassment by EFCC
