The ₦3.1 billion fraud trial involving former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has stretched into its 12th year without the commencement of defence proceedings, despite the prosecution having long closed its case.
Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Oklobia, were arraigned in 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of money laundering and the alleged diversion of ₦3.1 billion realised from the sale of Benue State Government shares in Dangote Cement Plc. Both defendants have consistently denied the charges.
In July 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a no-case submission by the defendants, ruling that the EFCC had established a prima facie case and ordering them to open their defence. However, since that ruling, the trial has stalled without the defence beginning its case.
The court had fixed September 25, 2025, for the defence to open its case, but proceedings failed to progress. The matter was later adjourned to January 20, 2026, for final written addresses, and subsequently shifted again to May 29, 2026. That sitting did not hold due to the court’s non-session, leading to another adjournment to July 17, 2026.
The case has faced repeated delays over the years, including judicial withdrawals, reassignments, and appeals. Justice Ahmed Mohammed initially handled the matter but stepped aside in 2016 and again in 2019 before the case was reassigned to other judges, including Justice Okon Abang. It was later returned to Justice Mohammed by the Court of Appeal before being reassigned again after his elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023.
The EFCC closed its case after calling nine witnesses, including investigators, officials from the finance ministry, stockbrokers, and a bureau de change operator.
Despite the prolonged trial, Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, remains active in politics and is reportedly preparing for future electoral contests while the case continues.
The matter is expected to resume before Justice Lifu on July 17, 2026.
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