Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ruled that former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan, has a case to answer over the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion in public funds.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the Economic Financial Crime Commission on Wednesday, after the judge dismissed the no-case submission filed by Suswan and his then Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, ordering them to open their defence.
The duo is facing an 11-count amended charge over the alleged misappropriation of N3.1bn, said to be part of proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.
The transactions were allegedly carried out through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
At the last sitting, the prosecution closed its case after calling nine witnesses, prompting the defence to argue that they had no case to answer.
But in his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the prosecution had presented enough evidence to warrant a response.
The judge said,”The determination of the court at this stage is not to address the credibility of witnesses.
“What constitutes the court’s critical concerns is to determine whether or not there is a prima facie case.
“It is the court’s considered view that the defendants need to throw some light on some of the allegations, at least for the sake of fulfilling the principle of fair hearing.
“Therefore, subject to further evidence and explanation, the two defendants in this case have a case to answer and I so hold.
“Consequently, upon my conclusion on the above stated, the defendants’ no-case submission is hereby refused and dismissed.
“The defendants are hereby called upon to enter their various defences.”
The case was adjourned to September 22 and 26, 2025, for continuation.
