Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam to July 16, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses, marking the final stage of an 11-year legal battle over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud. Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after proceedings in the case that has lingered since 2015, according to multiple reports.
Suswam is standing trial alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, on an amended 11-count charge bordering on theft, criminal breach of trust, illegal award of contracts, and money laundering. The charges relate to proceeds from the sale of Benue State Government's shares in Benue Cement Company, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged were diverted through Elixir Securities Ltd and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
During the trial, the EFCC called nine witnesses to testify against the defendants. Suswam testified as the sole witness for the defence. The defendants had earlier filed a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case, but Justice Lifu dismissed the application on July 23, 2025, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring both defendants to open their defence. The defence commenced its case on October 10, 2025.
The long-running case has been handled by at least three judges over its 11-year history. The defendants were first arraigned in November 2015 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. The matter was later transferred to Justice Okon Abang before his elevation to the Court of Appeal. It was subsequently returned to Justice Mohammed following a ruling of the Court of Appeal. The prosecution was on the verge of closing its case in December 2023 when Justice Mohammed was elevated to the Court of Appeal, leading to the reassignment of the matter to Justice Lifu for a fresh trial. The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Lifu on March 21, 2024.
With the adoption of final written addresses scheduled for July 16, the court will hear arguments from both sides before delivering judgment. The case, which has spanned over a decade, is now approaching its conclusion. Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
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