CSO Urges Speedy Conclusion Of Suswam’s Alleged N3.1bn Corruption Trial

The Civil Society Leaders for Anti-Corruption and Transparency (CSLFAAT) has called for the speedy conclusion of the alleged N3.1 billion corruption trial involving former Benue State governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, following Thursday’s adjournment of the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The planned adoption of final written addresses in the matter was stalled after Suswam failed to appear in court, forcing the trial judge to adjourn the proceedings.

Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 11-count amended charge bordering on the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion in public funds. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Reacting to the development, CSLFAAT, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mohammed Saad, urged the former governor to cooperate fully with the judicial process and allow the case to be concluded without further delay.

The group also called on the court to fix an early adjournment date to ensure the matter reaches its logical conclusion.

According to the organisation, the case, which commenced in November 2015, has experienced prolonged delays due to repeated adjournments and the reassignment of judges.

It noted that the trial had been handled by Justices Ahmed Mohammed, Okon Abang, Ahmed Mohammed again, and is now before Justice Peter Lifu, with each reassignment contributing to delays in the proceedings.

CSLFAAT said there was no justification for further prolonging the case, arguing that the prosecution and defence had concluded their cases, leaving only the adoption of final written addresses before judgment.

“The court should fix a date that is reasonable and proximate to ensure the swift conclusion of this trial. The endless cycle of adjournments must stop,” the statement said.

The group urged the judiciary to ensure that the matter, along with many other corruption cases, is concluded expeditiously, stressing that the timely resolution of these cases is essential to strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.

It also maintained that anyone found guilty should be punished in accordance with the law, while anyone found innocent should be discharged and acquitted.