The Federal High Court in Abuja has found Mr Olisa Metuh guilty of money laundering in the sum of N400 million.
The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, found the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) guilty on Tuesday while delivering judgement in the suit instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency charged Metuh, who is standing trial alongside his company, Destra investment, with seven counts bordering on criminal diversion of the money received from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Delivering judgement in the case, Justice Abang convicted the former PDP spokesman of count one of the charges.
“It is my view that Metuh took possession of the N400 million from the office of the NSA without contractual agreement; he is guilty of money laundering and is hereby convicted on count one.”
Shortly after he was convicted, the trial judged suspended reading the judgment to allow the former PDP spokesman use the gents.
Upon his return to the courtroom, Justice Abang proceeded with his judgement on the second count of the charges which bordered on the criminal conversion of N400 million.
According to him, the evidence before him shows that the money was used to fund activities of the PDP.
The judge added that Metuh also used the money to acquire a property at Banana Island in Lagos.
He explained that this was contrary to the e-payment mandate which stated that the money was meant for security services, whereas Dextra Investment was not a registered security outfit.
Justice Abang insisted that the evidence pointed to the fact that the money was deliberately laundered to brighten the chances of the PDP during the general elections in 2015.
He added that Metuh failed to explain the transfer of N50 million from the N400 million to the joint account of himself and his wife
“It is, therefore, manifestly clear that the defendant converted the money for PDP campaign activities and I find him guilty and is hereby convicted accordingly,” the judge declared.
More to follow…