PDP Reps issue ultimatum to EFCC to release Metuh
PDP Members of the House of Representatives yesterday issued a 48 hour ultimatum to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release party spokesman Olisa Metuh who has been in its custody.
The EFCC has accused Metuh of receiving N400 million from the embattled former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki. Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said the spokesman had not been released owing to his refusal to refund the money traced to his company.
Speaking at a press briefing, PDP caucus leader Leo Ogor said it was illegal to detain Metuh beyond the allowed 48 hours.
Ogor, who doubles as House Minority Leader, insisted that Metuh be released as the offense he is accused of “is not treasonable felony and he is entitled to bail.”
The lawmaker, while demanding that EFCC follow due process, noted that Metuh’s continued detention amounted to the infringement of his rights. This as he challenged the EFCC to charge PDP spokesman to court if it had enough evidence to do so.
“The laws of our land stipulate detaining a person for specific hours, here we are looking at a scenario or a situation where Olisa Metuh is held for 10 days. Our grudge is that he be taken before a competent court of jurisdiction or be given an administrative bail.”
The Minority Leader who stressed that the PDP caucus in the House was not against the agency carrying out its duties, said that Metuh’s travails is not unconnected to his role as the spokesman of the main opposition.
He wondered why Jafaru Isa, a close associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, who allegedly also received N170 million from Dasuki, had been released while Metuh’s remains in EFCC custody.
He said: “On this same issue that borders on the transfer of funds… Isa Jafaru was detained by the EFCC and in less than 8 hours was given administrative bail after the chairman of the EFCC visited Aso Rock.
“…It cannot be different strokes for different folks.
“…It is not in the position of any other person but a competent jurisdiction to pronounce anybody guilty.
“The action of the EFCC as it stands today negates the principle of the laws that run the commission. It offends the fundamental rights of Olisa Metuh. It is more like pronouncing him guilty before he is put forward for trial.”
