Two senior lawyers, Oyinyechi Ikpeazu and Emeka Etiaba, have applied for withdrawal from representing a former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.
Mr Metuh is facing a seven-count charge of alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
The Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), in a motion dated March 4, told Justice Okon Abang of Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that they were requesting for withdrawal because of external intimidation.
“Emeka Etiaba and myself (Mr Ikpeazu) have been going through immense pressure with respect to our appearance in this case and will be unable to continue to represent the first defendant.
“I have received numerous threats to my life from diverse sources through telephone calls with disguised numbers giving an ultimatum and threatening to kill me based on the manner they claimed I had been mishandling the case.
“Emeka Etiaba informed me on March 4 in my office at plot 10, block Ix, David Dodo street, Gwarinpa, Abuja and I verily believe him, that he had received similar threats and will thus no longer proceed with the representation of the first defendant,” the motion read in part.
The lawyers also cited the difficulties experienced with compulsorily attending day-to-day trial as ordered by the judge.
“This honourable court has ordered a day to day hearing in this matter and counsel will be unable to afford the time, having regard to the diaries of their respective offices,” they said.
Mr Abang, consequently, adjourned till March 13 for the argument of motion.
