As the trial of Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party continues at a Federal High Court in Abuja, a legal officer from the office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, Baleh Ndam has been presented as a prosecution witness.

Ndam told the court that that Destra Investment Limited, a firm owned by Olisa Metuh was among the 78 companies that got payments from Sambo Dasuki without an awarded contract.

Speaking in court as a witness, Ndam said: “On November 28, 2015, the national security adviser forwarded a letter entitled ‘Payment to companies without contract awards’ to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

“There were 78 companies, and Destra Investment Limited was one of them. Following the letter, the EFCC sent a letter to the ONSA requesting for e-payment mandates of these companies; their letter was on January 13, 2016.”

Ndam also told the court that he started working in the legal office of the ONSA in 2012.

In defence of Metuh however, Onyechi Ikpeazu, countered the testimony of the witness stating that since the e-payment mandates were computer generated, they could not be admissible in court as it must come from the “maker” and thereafter implored the court to throw out the evidence.

Sylvanus Tahir, the lead prosecutor rose against Ipeazu’s argument describing it as “highly misconceived”.

He also stated that all the documents presented before the court in the course of the trial are valid.

“We urge your lordship to discountenance the objection,” he said.

Before the proceeding began, presiding judge, Justice Okon Obong had stayed the trial due to the inability of the prison officers to present the accused in court timely.

Metuh was absent when the case was mentioned to be brought up which prompted the prosecution to request for a stand down till he is brought to the court from prison.

Adebayo Emuleomo