A Federal High Court in Abuja has found the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Olisa Metuh, guilty of money laundering to the tune of N400 million.

Justice Okon Abang gave the guilty verdict today in the suit instituted against  Metuh by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had charged Metuh, who is standing trial alongside his company, Destra Investment, with seven counts bordering on criminal diversion of the money received from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

Delivering judgement in the case, Justice Abang convicted the former PDP spokesman of count one of the charges.

“It is my view that Metuh took possession of the N400 million from the office of the NSA without contractual agreement; he is guilty of money laundering and is hereby convicted on count one.”

According to Justice Abang, the evidence before him showed that the money was used to fund activities of the PDP.

The judge added that Metuh also used the money to acquire a property at Banana Island in Lagos. He also said that Metuh failed to explain the transfer of N50 million from the N400 million to the joint account of himself and his wife.

The court therefore sentenced Metuh to seven years imprisonment. It  also ruled that he should pay the sum of N375 million naira to the Federal Government.

The court ordered that his company, Destra Investment Ltd be wound up and that any moneys standing to its credit be forfeited to the Federal Government.