N3.1bn fraud: You have case to answer, court tells ex-gov Suswam

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja says former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his ex-Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, have a case to answer in the N3.1 billion charge against them.

Delivering a ruling in the no-case submission entered by Suswam and Oklobia on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Justice Peter Lifu held that the prosecution established a prima facie case against the defendants that required them to defend.

Justice Lifu said he had been persuaded by the defendants to invoke Section 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to hold that they had no case to answer.

The judge said: “Upon perusing the evidence before the court, I am mindful to hold that the defendants have some explanation to offer in the interest of fair hearing.

“The prosecution has placed before the court legally admissible evidence linking the two defendants to the allegations.

“They need to throw some light on the allegations because a prima face case has been established against them.

EFCC withdraws fraud charges against Otudeko

“The defendants’ no-case submission is refused and they are called upon to open their defence.”

Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until September 22 and 26 for the defendants to open and possibly close their case.

Suswam and Oklobia are standing trial on an 11-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N3.1 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecuting agency, alleged that the funds in question were part of the proceeds from the sale of Benue State Government shares managed by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC).

The EFCC stated that the shares were sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

The Star