Following the refusal of an Abuja High Court to grant former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metu permission to travel outside the country for medical attention, his legal counsel has revealed that he has been transferred from National Hospital, Abuja to Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Metuh’s lawyer, Emeka Etiaba (SAN) revealed this development on Friday during the continuation of the PDP chieftain’s trial for charges bordering on corruption and money laundering.

Metuh’s trial however, could not continue as he was absent from the court as Etiaba tendered a letter from LUTH dated June 8, 2016 confirming that Metuh was under observation in the hospital..

He was reported to have left National Hospital, Abuja where he was on bed rest about a fortnight ago.

Etiaba revealed that Metuh decided to go to LUTH after the court refused to grant him permission to travel to the United Kingdom despite the recommendation of the National Hospital in Abuja.

The letter from LUTH, signed by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Olufemi Bankole, confirmed that Metuh was under observation by the hospital and would be confined to bed rest for some time as part of the process.

The letter however, did not state how long the medical process would last.

‎Prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, frowned at the relocation of the defendant from one hospital to another without the knowledge of the court but conceded to the adjournment of the trial.

“The letter is dated June 8. It is curious that on the eve of the resumption of the court’s business, another letter is written,” he said.

“The court being human being, like us, who are all mortals, we expect a demonstration of good faith such that will not give room for doubt. We most reluctantly concede to adjournment.”

Etiaba in response reiterated that his client was not playing pranks as he was actually ill and needed medical attention.

Adebayo Emuleomo