Arms deal metuh faces 7 count charge
You're referring to the ongoing trial of Samuel Odubu Metuh, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is facing a 7-count charge related to the arms deal scandal.
For the benefit of those who may not be familiar with the case, here's a brief summary:
Samuel Metuh was arrested and charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2015 for allegedly receiving N400 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The money was allegedly meant for a documentary on the activities of the Nigerian military, but Metuh was accused of misusing the funds.
The 7-count charge against Metuh includes:
- Criminal breach of trust by a public officer
- Criminal misappropriation by a public officer
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy to commit the above offenses
- Using the proceeds of an unlawful act to purchase a property
- Failure to disclose the source of funds used to purchase a property
- Making a false statement to the EFCC
Metuh has denied any wrongdoing and has been arguing that the money was a loan from the ONSA, which was later converted to a gift. However, the EFCC has maintained that the money was a bribe meant to influence the media coverage of the administration.
The trial has been ongoing for several years, with Metuh's lawyers arguing that the prosecution has failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges against him. The case is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.