Gabriel Suswam Loses No-Case Bid Against EFCC In N3.1 Billion Fraud Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, must face trial in the ₦3.1 billion fraud case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court gave its decision on Wednesday, rejecting a no-case submission filed by Suswam and his former Finance Commissioner, Omadachi Okolobia.

Both had asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the EFCC hadn’t proven any wrongdoing.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, disagreed, saying the prosecution had presented enough evidence to require a response from the defendants.

Justice Lifu ruled that the case against them is strong enough to continue and ordered them to begin presenting their defence.

“Upon perusing the evidence before the court, I am mindful to hold that the defendants have some explanation to offer in the interest of fair hearing.

“The prosecution has placed before the court legally admissible evidence linking the two defendants to the allegations.

“They need to throw some light on the allegations because a prima face case has been established against them.

“The defendants’ no-case submission is refused and they are called upon to open their defence,” the judge said.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 22 and 26, when the defendants are expected to open their defence.

KanyiDaily recalls that Gabriel Suswam had suggested that all Nigerian politicians should spend one or two days in the prisons in order to appreciate its challenges into becoming better leaders.