By John Moses
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, must face trial in connection with a ₦3.1 billion corruption case.
Delivering judgment on a no-case submission filed by the defendants, Justice Peter Lifu held on Wednesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima facie case linking them to the alleged offences, and as such, they were required to open their defence.
“The prosecution has placed before the court legally admissible evidence connecting the two defendants to the charges. The no-case submission is refused,” Justice Lifu ruled.
He invoked Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which allow a defendant to argue that no sufficient evidence has been presented by the prosecution. However, the judge concluded that there was enough evidence to warrant further legal proceedings.
The case was adjourned to 22 and 26 September 2025 for the defence to present its case.
Suswam and Oklobia are facing an 11-count amended charge filed by the EFCC, accusing them of conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust involving ₦3.1 billion. The money allegedly came from the sale of Benue State government shares, managed through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) and brokered via Elixir Securities and Elixir Investment Partners.
The defence had argued that the prosecution had failed to make a compelling case and urged the court to discharge and acquit both men. However, lead EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), insisted the evidence on record was sufficient to proceed to trial.
The high-profile case, first instituted in 2015, has witnessed multiple judicial transfers. It was initially handled by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who later recused himself amid allegations of bias reported by local media. The case moved through the desks of several justices and only resumed full trial in 2023 under Justice Lifu, following the elevation of Justice Mohammed to the Court of Appeal.
The defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Lifu and maintained their not-guilty pleas. The court allowed them to continue under their existing bail conditions, but Justice Lifu warned all counsel that he would not tolerate any further delays in the proceedings.
