Alleged N3.1bn fraud: Suswan’s defence stalls again after 10 years in court

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The trial of former Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam was delayed on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja when the defence did not begin its case.

Suswam and his ex-Finance Commissioner, Omodachi Okolobia, face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 11-count indictment related to the alleged misappropriation of N3.1 billion.

The money in question reportedly came from the sale of Benue State shares handled through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, in partnership with Elixir Securities and Elixir Investment Partners.

Earlier, on July 23, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed Suswam’s no-case submission and ordered him to start presenting his defence. However, during Monday’s session, lead counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, sought a three-week adjournment due to the hospitalization of team member Chenelu Ogbozor and a pending appeal against the court’s July decision.

The EFCC’s lawyer, A.O. Atolagbe, opposed the postponement, noting that the defence had over two months during the court’s recess to prepare.

“This matter has lingered for a decade,” Atolagbe told the court, urging it not to wait for the Court of Appeal unless a specific directive was issued.

Justice Lifu expressed frustration over the prolonged proceedings.

“This case has been on for 10 years. No matter what, a matter should not drag this long,” he said, recounting difficulties locating the scattered case file earlier in the day.

The judge adjourned the trial until October 10, 2025, directing Suswan to open his defence on that date.

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