The trial of former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswan, was on Monday, September 22, 2025, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the defence failed to open its case.
Suswan and his former Finance Commissioner, Omodachi Okolobia, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended 11-count charge over the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion.
The funds were allegedly proceeds from the sale of Benue State shares managed through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited via Elixir Securities and Elixir Investment Partners.
Justice Peter Lifu had earlier, on July 23, dismissed Suswan’s no-case submission and ordered him to present his defence. But at Monday’s sitting, lead counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, requested a three-week adjournment, citing the hospitalisation of a team member, Chenelu Ogbozor, as well as a pending appeal challenging the court’s July ruling.
EFCC lawyer A.O. Atolagbe opposed the request, arguing that the defence had more than two months during the court’s annual 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.
Alleged N3.1bn fraud: Suswan’s defence stalls again after 10 years in court