Court Adjourns Suswam’s N3.1bn Fraud Trial to July 16 for Final Addresses

Court Adjourns Suswam’s N3.1bn Fraud Trial to July 16 for Final Addresses

The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner of Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, to July 16, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date on Wednesday as the 11-year-old case entered its final stage.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the two defendants on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged theft, criminal breach of trust, illegal award of contracts and money laundering involving N3.1 billion.

According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were proceeds from the sale of the Benue State Government’s shares in Benue Cement Company and were allegedly diverted through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

During the trial, the EFCC presented nine witnesses in support of its case, while Suswam testified as the sole witness for the defence.

The case, which began in November 2015, has passed through several judges following transfers and elevations to the Court of Appeal, resulting in multiple delays.

After the matter was reassigned to Justice Lifu for a fresh trial, the defendants were re-arraigned and later filed a no-case submission following the close of the prosecution’s case.

However, on July 23, 2025, Justice Lifu dismissed the application, holding that the EFCC had established a prima facie case requiring the defendants to enter their defence.

The defence opened its case on October 10, 2025, and with the conclusion of evidence, the court is now set to hear final written addresses on July 16, 2026, before a judgment date is fixed.

Court Adjourns Suswam’s N3.1bn Fraud Trial to July 16 for Final Addresses