The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought its case against former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, closer to conclusion as it presented its final witness in the ongoing N3.1 billion fraud trial.
The trial, which has stretched over several months, involves allegations of the misappropriation of public funds during Suswam’s tenure in office.
On Tuesday, the EFCC brought forward its ninth and final prosecution witness, Ape Sunday, to testify in front of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. According to the EFCC, Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, are being tried on an amended 11-count charge.
The case centers on the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion, said to be proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.
The prosecuting counsel, A. O. Atolagbe, noted that the presentation of PW9 marked the formal close of the prosecution’s case. He informed the court that the EFCC had intended to present one more witness, identified as Mrs. Shiedu Awade, but was unable to do so due to her current health condition.
PW9, an EFCC investigative officer, stated that Mrs. Awade, who worked as a cashier and executive officer at Benue Investment and Property Ltd, was admitted to the National Hospital in Abuja. Due to the seriousness of her illness, she could not appear before the court.
Following this development, the defense teams for both Suswam and Okolobia responded to the situation. Legal representatives, C. E. Ugbozor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Paul Erokoro, notified the court of their plan to file a no-case submission. They requested a period of 14 days to make their application.
In reaction, the prosecution asked for 21 days to respond to the defense’s submission.
Justice Lifu, who presided over the matter, noted both requests and adjourned the trial. The court will reconvene on June 24, 2025, to hear arguments concerning the no-case submission.
