Alleged N3.1bn Fraud: Court says Suswam, ex-finance commissioner have a case to answer

The federal high court, Abuja, on Wednesday, said former Benue Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former 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, Justice Peter Lifu held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them that required them to defend.

“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 judge said.

“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.

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

Justice Lifu said the court was not convinced by the attempt to rely on Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

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 sum was allegedly misappropriated from the Benue State treasury during Suswam’s tenure as governor.

The court adjourned the matter until September 22 and 26 for the defendants to open — and possibly close — their defence.