Former PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh found guilty on four counts of money laundering

FORMER Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicity secretary Chief Olisa Metuh is facing the prospect of a lengthy jail term after he was found guilty of four corruption charges by an Abuja high court this morning.

Chief Metuh, who has been standing trial for laundering the sum of N400m during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Today, at the Abuja Federal High Court, has was found guilty of money laundering, having received N400m ($1.1m) from the office of the national security adviser.

Justice Okon Abang found Chief Metuh guilty of four of the counts brought against him, saying he should have known that the money he received were the proceeds of crime. He was arraigned alongside his company Destra Investment and in his judgement, Justice Abang ruled that they were guilty of taking possession and control of N400m from the office of the national security adviser which he ought to know was a proceed of crime.

In addition, Chief Metuh was found guilty of converting the sum of N400m to fund PDP activities and for his personal use. Furthermore, he and Destra Investment were also found guilty of concealing the sum of N400m, a proceed of crime received from the office of the national security adviser.

Also, the judge found Chief Metuh and his company guilty of using N400m of taxpayers money from the office of the national security adviser to fund the campaign activities of PDP. Chief Metuh was also found guilty of transferring N51.7m to one Anthony Anene, which was part of the N400m paid to his office by the national security adviser.

Chief Metuh now awaits sentencing and it is likely he will receive a custodial sentence, just like the former Abia State governor Orji Uzoh Kalu. Former Taraba State governor Jolly Nyame is the only other public official to receive a custodial sentence since President Muhammadu Buhari took office in 2015 despite widespread corruption that has permeated all facets of government.