N3.1bn fraud trial: EFCC closes case against ex-Benue governor, Suswam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday presented its ninth and final prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over alleged N3.1 billion fraud.

Suswam is standing trial alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, on an amended 11-count charge bordering on the diversion of public funds.

The charges stem from the alleged misappropriation of N3.1 billion—proceeds from the sale of Benue State’s shares through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.

At the resumed hearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel A.O. Atolagbe informed the court that the prosecution would close its case after presenting its ninth witness, Mr. Ape Sunday, an EFCC investigator.

Atolagbe noted that the Commission had intended to present a tenth witness, Mrs. Shiedu Awade—a former cashier and executive officer of the Benue Investment and Property Company—but was forced to forgo her testimony due to her deteriorating health.

According to the EFCC, Awade is currently hospitalized at the National Hospital, Abuja, and is medically unfit to appear in court.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, defence counsels C.E. Ugbozor (representing Suswam) and Paul Erokoro, SAN (representing Okolobia), notified the court of their plan to file a no-case submission, arguing that the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

The defence requested 14 days to file their submissions, while the prosecution sought 21 days to respond.

Presiding Judge, Justice Lifu, adjourned the matter to June 24, 2025, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.