By Atoyebi Nike
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, dismissed a No-Case Submission filed by former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his then Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, over allegations of diverting N3.1 billion in public funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the duo on an amended 11-count charge, accusing them of misappropriating funds from the state’s investment portfolio, specifically proceeds from shares held by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, channeled through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.
At the last hearing, the prosecution closed its case after calling nine witnesses, prompting the defence to argue that the case lacked merit. However, in his ruling, Justice Lifu said the testimonies and exhibits presented established a prima facie case.
“The determination of the court at this stage is not to address the credibility of witnesses,” Lifu stated. “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.”
He ruled that both defendants have a case to answer and ordered them to enter their defence. The matter was adjourned to September 22 and 26, 2025, for continuation.
