JUST IN: Judge refuses to adjourn Metuh’s trial

After the case was called, Emeka Etiaba, one of Metuh’s lawyers, asked the court to adjourn the trial because the lead counsel was involved in another case at the supreme court, and as such would not be present to defend his client.

Tahir Sylvanus, the lead prosecution counsel, objected to the request for the adjournment of the trial, and urged the court to proceed with the case, arguing that Etiaba could hold brief for Ikpeazu. After listening to the submissions of the counsel, the judge ruled that the trial must continue. He held that since Ikpeazu, the lead counsel of the defence, had not written a letter notifying him of his absence, as required by law, the trial must continue. On Tuesday, Abang had stood down the trial for an hour owing to the absence of Metuh in court. He had said that he was working with a “time-frame” to finish the case. Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Uba, an ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is in court observing the proceedings.