Too many things about the Olisa Metuh matter do not make sense. It is sad tosee how he railroaded himself to jail, edged on by loud-mouthed undertakers and politicisers, pretending to be friends and sympathisers.
Some would say it is deserving for him, either on account of the crime or the report of him allegedly beating up a school Principal, sometime back. But that is not even the focus here, it is his conduct, pre-trial and the management of the case in and out of court that is my focus. I would say, but the poor handling of the matter, perhaps this would have had a different outcome.
Nothing sums up this tragedy better than that tweet by Osita Chidoka, announcing his arrival in court yesterday, all puffed up in his isiagu. You would think he was arriving at an awards ceremony. Such is the level of disrespect and disregard our politicians have now chosen to treat the Court system, that even a criminal trial is not enough to make them reflect and embrace sobriety.
Whereas in days gone by, going on trial would trigger some sobriety or sense of contrition, even if in pretence. In recent years, accused persons saunter into courts, hailed by a rented crowd of hirelings and pretend-supporters, pumping fists, throwing salutes, hailed by hirelings, in a disrespectful attempt at festivity as if it is some comedy show or political campaign.
When the Dasuki matter broke in 2015, perhaps he and others thought it a joke that would be laughed off. I recall he was one of the first to seek access to Dasuki’s residence when the man was placed under house arrest by the DSS. I remember him addressing the press talking law and the Constitution, declaring the arrest illegal. Little did we know there was some link between the 2 men.
When Metuh was eventually linked to the Dasuki loot disbursement, his response, as he and many of his ilk had gotten used to, was one of bluff and bombast, skirting around the real issue. When the option of paying back came on the table and a few people embraced, he was said to have told the EFCC that he would rather go on hunger strike than refund the money. Strange that deep into the trial, he was the one now making the same offer he was said to have rebuffed.
The management of the case was poor, especially for someone who claims to be a Lawyer. I remember how, on admission to bail, he came out like one political prisoner, who has just been released, after years in prison. I remember the ostentatious display of his dining, shortly after the release. A tasteless, childish display of obscenity.
All the tricks in the book to cause a delay of trial were on display. The drama of the stretcher, neck brace was embarrassing. The brazen attempt to cause the Judge, who he said was his classmate at some point, to give up the case, was pathetic.
That when he eventually got onto the case proper, the strategy was now built around President Jonathan appearing as a witness, is a pity. That President Jonathan let his man down, with Ozekhome demanding N1 billion on his behalf, to be able to appear, is evidence that when you are down and you are of little use in politics you become particularly dispensable. He should have known. The handwriting on the wall. He would have known that his was a bad case. It was obvious, except to those who did not follow the case or our devoted cynics.
Even now that the man has been pronounced guilty, the patriots, as expected, with their one-minute limited capacity for history and abhorrence for context are already busy. Why him? Why not Dasuki? They have forgotten that the man is on trial and was in fact in confinement for years, while Metuh was on bail? Why him, why not Obaigbena? They must have missed reports of that one making a refund, early in the day, while the window was open. Why not Obanikoro? They forget that even before he changed parties, the man had tactfully opted for the option of refund and cooperation. They must have missed reports about him as a prosecution witness in one of the cases. He should have joined APC You wonder at some of these guys. Orji Kalu is in jail. I forgot, he is Igbo. Jolly Nyame? Oh, it is because he is a Christian. You wonder at the pedestrian conspiracy theories otherwise smart minds peddle. Today, judiciary is in chains, tomorrow, they are praising it for independence.
The lessons from the Metuh misadventure are there for anyone perceptive enough. A bit of calm and sober presentation, some show of remorse can be helpful, no matter how bad the case is. The days of playing from the books of Fayose and Fani-Kayode might be over.
– Olorunfemi is an award-winning journalist