Former Benue Governor Suswam's N3.1 Billion Fraud Case: Court to Rule on "No-Case Submission" July 23!
The legal fate of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, hangs in the balance as a Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned till July 23, 2025, for a crucial ruling on his "no-case submission." This development marks a significant turn in the long-running fraud trial where Suswam and his former Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, are accused of diverting N3.1 billion.
The Allegations:
Suswam and Okolobia are facing an 11-count amended charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the N3.1 billion was part of the proceeds from the sale of the Benue State government's shares. These shares were held on the state's behalf by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited and sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
A key prosecution witness, a bureau de change operator named Abubakar Umar, had previously testified that he converted N3.1 billion into $15.8 million cash and delivered it to Suswam at his Maitama, Abuja residence.
The "No-Case Submission":
At the proceedings on Friday, July 11, 2025, counsel to Suswam, Chenelu Ogbozor, and counsel to Okolobia, Paul Erokoro (SAN), informed Justice Peter Lifu of their application for a "no-case submission."
This application, filed on May 28, 2025, with a written address served on the prosecution on July 10, 2025, argues that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against their clients. In essence, they are contending that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to warrant the defendants entering their defence, and therefore, they should be discharged and acquitted.
The EFCC's lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), vehemently opposed the application. He submitted a written reply, urging the court to dismiss the no-case submission, maintaining that the application lacked merit and insisting that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to compel the defendants to answer the charges.
A Protracted Legal Battle:
This case, initiated by the EFCC in 2015, has seen several twists and turns over the years:
Suswam and Okolobia were initially arraigned before Justice Ahmed Mohammed in 2015 on a nine-count charge.
The case was later transferred to Justice Okon Abang and then reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu in 2024, leading to a fresh plea by the defendants on the amended 11-count charge.
Throughout the trial, the EFCC presented various witnesses and documentary evidence.
What Happens on July 23?
Justice Peter Lifu will deliver his ruling on the "no-case submission" on July 23, 2025.
If the court upholds the "no-case submission," Suswam and Okolobia will be discharged and acquitted.
If the court dismisses the "no-case submission," the defendants will be ordered to open their defence, and the trial will proceed to its next stage.
The outcome of this ruling will be a pivotal moment in this high-profile corruption trial that has spanned nearly a decade. Talksocialtalka will bring you the full details as the court delivers its decision.
