The alleged N3.1 billion money laundering case involving former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, is set to enter its final stage. The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 25, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by the parties. The case, instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has lasted more than 11 years since Suswam and Okolobia were first arraigned in November 2015.
Suswam and Okolobia are facing an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and related offences involving N3.1 billion. The EFCC alleges that the funds were linked to the sale of Benue State Government shares held through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) and sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited. The defendants have denied the allegations.
The case has suffered a series of delays and judicial changes since it began. It was first assigned to Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who withdrew from the case twice following publications alleging that he had been compromised. The case was later reassigned to Justice Okon Abang and then to Justice Peter Lifu, who commenced the trial afresh on March 21, 2024.
The EFCC called nine witnesses, including officials of the Benue State Ministry of Finance, EFCC investigators, a portfolio manager, and a bureau de change operator. One of the prosecution witnesses, Abubakar Umar, a bureau de change operator, testified that N3.1 billion was transferred to his account in tranches in 2014 and that he converted the money to dollars and delivered it to Suswam.
Suswam denied collecting money from Umar or instructing him to collect and convert money on his behalf. He told the court that he did not misappropriate or steal public funds during his eight years in office and urged the court to discharge and acquit him. His co-defendant, Okolobia, also denied wrongdoing and told the court that he acted under instructions from Suswam.
After the defence closed its case, Justice Lifu fixed the matter for the adoption of final written addresses. The matter was initially scheduled for January 20, 2026, but was adjourned several times due to Suswam's absence from court. At the July 16 proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, opposed another lengthy adjournment, pointing out that the case had been pending for 11 years.
The adoption of final written addresses is the final stage of arguments before the court considers the evidence and delivers judgment. After more than a decade of proceedings, judicial reassignments, and adjournments, attention is now on the Federal High Court as the parties return for the adoption of their final addresses. The court's decision is expected to bring an end to the long-drawn case.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will adopt final written addresses in Senator Gabriel Suswam's N3.1 billion money laundering case on September 25, 2026.
- The case has lasted more than 11 years since Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, were first arraigned in November 2015.
- Suswam and Okolobia have denied the allegations, and the court's decision is expected to bring an end to the long-drawn case.
