The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until January 20, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses in the ongoing N3.1 billion fraud trial involving former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia.
Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after the defendants concluded their defence. The prosecution was given 14 days to file and serve its final written address, while the defendants have 14 days to respond.
Suswam and Okolobia face an 11-count amended charge over the alleged misappropriation of N3.1 billion, said to be proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited. The transactions were reportedly channelled through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
Earlier, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called nine witnesses before closing its case. Instead of opening their defence, the defendants initially filed a no-case submission, arguing there was insufficient evidence linking them to the alleged diversion of public funds. Justice Lifu dismissed the submission on July 23, stating that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring explanation from the defendants.
The EFCC first charged Suswam and Okolobia in 2015, alleging they laundered about N3.1 billion from the state government through the two companies. In the amended charge, the commission also claimed that Okolobia conducted N578 million in cash transactions exceeding legal limits between December 2014 and January 2015.
With the adjournment, the court will resume in January 2026 to hear the adoption of final written addresses from both sides.
