A Nigerian Federal High Court has ruled that former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his former finance commissioner, Omadachi Oklobia, must stand trial for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of ₦3.1 billion (approx. $2 million USD), marking a significant development in one of the country’s long-running political corruption cases.
Delivering his ruling in Abuja on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission, stating that prosecutors had presented credible evidence linking the duo to the charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust.
“Upon perusing the evidence, I find that the defendants have explanations to offer in the interest of justice. A prima facie case has been established,” the judge said, adding that the defendants must open their defence on 22 and 26 September.
The charges stem from the alleged diversion of proceeds from the sale of Benue State government shares, managed through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited and brokered by Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners.
The EFCC claims that the funds were misappropriated while Suswam was governor, with Oklobia serving as his finance commissioner.
The defence, led by Chinedu Ogbozor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Paul Erokoro, cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in urging the court to discharge the defendants. However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), argued that the weight of the evidence demanded a full trial.
The case, first brought to court in 2015, has been delayed by a series of judicial changes. Initially overseen by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, the matter was reassigned multiple times before landing on the desk of Justice Lifu following Mohammed’s elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023.
Upon their re-arraignment, both Suswam and Oklobia pleaded not guilty and were permitted to retain their prior bail conditions. Justice Lifu, however, warned that he would not be drawn into prolonging the case’s chequered history.
The trial continues as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat entrenched political corruption, particularly involving high-level public officials.
