The trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, moved closer to conclusion on Wednesday as the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed July 16, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter after the defence concluded its case, bringing the nearly 11-year-old trial to its final stage.
Suswam and Okolobia are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 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.
The anti-graft agency alleges that the funds, said to be proceeds from the sale of Benue State Government’s shares in Benue Cement Company, were diverted through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
During the trial, the EFCC called nine witnesses in support of its case, while Suswam was the only witness who testified for the defence.
The case, which has experienced several delays and judicial reassignments since it began in 2015, was initially assigned to Justice Ahmed Mohammed before being transferred to Justice Okon Abang. Following Justice Abang’s elevation to the Court of Appeal, the matter returned to Justice Mohammed, who also later left the case after his own elevation, prompting its reassignment to Justice Peter Lifu for a fresh trial.
The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Lifu, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. After the prosecution closed its case, both men filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient.
However, on July 23, 2025, Justice Lifu dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring the defendants to open their defence.
The defence subsequently commenced its case on October 10, 2025. With both sides now having concluded their presentations, the matter has been adjourned until July 16, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses before judgment is reserved.
