A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 29 for the adoption of final written addresses in the alleged N3.1 billion fraud trial involving former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former commissioner for finance, Omodachi Okolobia.
Justice Peter Lifu scheduled the date after the defence concluded its case in the long-running trial filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Suswam and Okolobia on an amended 11-count charge bordering on the alleged diversion and laundering of public funds belonging to the Benue State government.
According to the EFCC, the money was part of proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State government through Benue Investment and Property Company Limited. The commission alleged that the funds were channelled through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
During earlier proceedings, the prosecution closed its case after presenting nine witnesses, including an EFCC investigator identified as Ape Sunday. The defence subsequently filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence against the defendants.
However, the court dismissed the application and ordered the defendants to open their defence, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring explanation.
Justice Lifu directed both parties to file and exchange their final written addresses ahead of the next adjourned date, when the court is expected to adopt the submissions before judgment is reserved.
