Court postpones final arguments in 11-year-old fraud trial of ex-Gov. Suswam till September

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N3.1 billion money laundering trial of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam for the final arguments. The case, which has spanned 11 years, will now resume on September 25, after the court's annual vacation.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) objection. The prosecution, represented by Rotimi Jacobs, argued that the case had already endured excessive delays and had seen three different judges preside over it. Jacobs urged the court not to postpone proceedings further, noting that the adoption of final written addresses, the last step before judgment, would now occur after the court's break.

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I urge the court to give us leave to move for the adoption of the written address, and not to seek adjournment in a case that is 11 years old and your lordship is the fifth judge to come and sit on the case.

The EFCC accused Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, of diverting N3.1 billion from the sale of state government shares. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy and money laundering. The case has faced numerous delays since their arraignment in November 2015.

During Thursday's proceedings, Jacobs opposed a request for adjournment from Suswam's lawyer, who cited ill health for his and his client's inability to attend. Jacobs alleged he had seen Suswam at public events the previous week, accusing the former governor of "making mockery of the justice system." He suggested the case should have concluded over a year ago and proposed an adjournment until July 17 for Suswam to participate virtually if unable to attend physically. The defense for the second defendant did not oppose the adjournment, suggesting Suswam "needed to rest."

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making mockery of the justice system