Court Decides Gabriel Suswam’s Fate in ₦3.1 Billion Fraud

DDM News

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has set July 23, 2025, as the date to rule on the no-case submission filed by former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the duo is standing trial on an amended 11-count charge related to the alleged misappropriation of ₦3.1 billion.

The funds were reportedly generated from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government.

The alleged fraud centers around transactions carried out by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited through two firms: Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

At the resumed court session on Friday, counsel to the first defendant, Chenelu Ogbozor, and counsel to the second defendant, Paul Erokoro (SAN), informed the court that their no-case submission was filed on May 28, 2025. They confirmed their written address was served on July 10, 2025.

The defence urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

However, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) disagreed, describing the motion as “baseless and without merit.”

He referred the court to the prosecution’s reply filed in July 2025, which included a written address, and urged the court to dismiss the application.

After hearing both sides, Justice Lifu reserved judgment and adjourned the matter to July 23, 2025, for ruling.

The case has drawn public interest as it involves one of Benue State’s most prominent political figures.

Suswam, who served as governor from 2007 to 2015, has faced multiple corruption allegations since leaving office.

He was previously arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with other alleged financial misappropriations.

The ₦3.1 billion in question is believed to be part of the proceeds from shares sold during his administration.

The EFCC alleges that the funds were not used for their intended public purpose but were instead diverted for personal and undisclosed uses.

Suswam and Okolobia have both pleaded not guilty and insist the transactions were legal and properly documented. They argue that the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to warrant continuing the trial.

Legal analysts note that a ruling in their favor could effectively end the trial, while a dismissal of the no-case submission would require them to open their defence.

The trial forms part of a wider effort by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to hold public office holders accountable for financial misconduct during and after their time in government.

More developments are expected following the July 23 ruling.

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