Olisa Metuh leaves Kuje prison after Appeal Court nullifies his conviction

Olisa Metuh poses in front of Kuje Prison on his way out today. | Source: Osita Chidoka on Facebook

Former National Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has left the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, popularly known as Kuje Prison. This follows the nullification of his conviction on a seven-count charge of diversion of illegal monies received from Sambo Dasuki, an ex-National Security Adviser.

In February 2020, the Federal High Court convicted him and sentenced him to seven (7) years imprisonment. But the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division has set him free and ordered that the trial be conducted afresh. He ordered that the case be sent back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. 

According to Premium Times, a three-member panel of the appeal court led by Justice Stephen Adah in a unanimous judgement held that the proceedings of the Federal High Court which led to the conviction of Mr Metuh was ”tainted and therefore must not be allowed to stand”.

“Learned trial judge showed in his comments, the influence of an abnormal desire all inclination to pursue a predetermined line of action against the appellant. This is no doubt is an influence of bias against the appellant. There is no way the learned trial judge can be seen to be detached from the malice against the appellant in the case as alleged.”

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka confirmed the development and shared pictures of a smiling Olisa Metuh as he left Kuje Prison today.