The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, was once again stalled on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking yet another delay in a case that has dragged on for ten years.
Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, are standing trial on an amended 11-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They are accused of diverting N3.1 billion—funds said to be proceeds from the sale of Benue State-owned shares.
The EFCC alleges that the funds were mismanaged through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, using two firms—Elixir Securities and Elixir Investment Partners as conduits.
At the resumed hearing, the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, J.B. Daudu, requested a fresh three-week adjournment. He told the court that one of their team members, Chenelu Ogbozor, was hospitalised and also pointed to a pending appeal against the court’s earlier ruling dismissing their no-case submission.
The prosecution, however, strongly objected to the request. EFCC counsel, A.O. Atolagbe, reminded the court that the defence had over two months during the court’s annual recess to prepare their case.
“This matter has lingered for a decade,” Atolagbe said, urging the court not to delay proceedings on the basis of an appeal that has not yet resulted in a stay of trial.
Justice Peter Lifu, visibly displeased, shared his frustration over the case’s slow progress.
“This case has been on for 10 years. No matter what, a matter should not drag this long,” he remarked. He also noted earlier difficulties in locating parts of the case file, which had been scattered due to its age and prolonged delays.
The judge ultimately agreed to the defence’s request but warned that the delay could not continue indefinitely. He adjourned the matter to October 10, 2025, and ordered the defence to open its case on that date without fail.
Suswam served as governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. His trial first began in 2015 but has since been delayed by various legal maneuvers, including preliminary objections, interlocutory appeals, and requests for adjournments.
The prolonged nature of the case has drawn public attention, with many Nigerians calling for judicial reforms to stop politically exposed persons from using the legal system to avoid justice.
As it stands, the trial continues to be one of the longest-running high-profile corruption cases in recent history. The next court session on October 10 may now determine whether the defence will finally open its case or further delay the trial.
