A civil society organisation (CSO), Civil Society Leaders for Anti-Corruption and Transparency (CSLFAAT), has expressed concern over the prolonged trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, describing the more than 11-year-old case as a setback to the administration of justice and the fight against corruption.

The organisation lamented that the trial, which commenced in November 2015 over the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion in public funds, has remained unresolved despite spending over a decade before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The group’s reaction followed Thursday’s proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, during which it noted that Suswam was absent from court.

Suswam and Okolobia are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged theft, criminal breach of trust, illegal award of contracts and money laundering involving N3.1 billion, said to be proceeds from the sale of Benue State government’s shares in Benue Cement Company.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants carried out the transactions through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

During the trial, the EFCC called nine witnesses in support of its case, while Suswam testified as the sole witness for the defence.

The defendants were first arraigned in November 2015 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed. The matter was later transferred to Justice Okon Abang and subsequently returned to Justice Mohammed following a Court of Appeal ruling.

However, after Justice Mohammed’s elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2023, the case was reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where proceedings commenced afresh.

CSLFAAT in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mohammed Saad,
said it was troubling that a case of such public importance had remained in the judicial system for more than a decade without a final determination.

“It is deeply troubling that this case which commenced in November 2015 has now spent over 11 years in the corridors of the Federal High Court with no end in sight,” the statement said.

According to the organisation, the case has suffered repeated delays due to transfers between judges, beginning with Justice Ahmed Mohammed, moving to Justice Okon Abang, returning to Justice Mohammed and now before Justice Peter Lifu.

The group argued that each reassignment effectively restarted proceedings and contributed to unnecessary delays in the adjudication of the matter.

“We demand answers as to why this critical stage of the trial is allowed to drift without explanation.

“The citizens of Benue State and indeed all Nigerians have a right to know why a case involving N3.1 billion of public funds has been allowed to languish for over a decade,” it stated.

The anti-corruption group urged the court to provide clarity on the factors responsible for the lengthy delay and outline measures being taken to ensure the matter is concluded without further setbacks.

It maintained that there was no justification for additional delays, noting that the prosecution and defence had substantially presented their cases and that the matter should be nearing conclusion.

“The time for excuses is over. This case must be given the urgent and necessary attention it requires. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has presented its witnesses, the defence has been heard and all that remains is the adoption of final addresses,” the statement added.

The group also called on Suswam to cooperate fully with the judicial process, saying his absence from Thursday’s proceedings raised concerns about his commitment to seeing the matter concluded.

“We call on Gabriel Suswam to fully cooperate with the judicial process and allow this case to reach its logical conclusion. His failure to appear in court today raises serious questions about his commitment to transparency and accountability,” CSLFAAT added.

The organisation urged the court to fix a proximate adjournment date to facilitate the speedy conclusion of the trial and prevent what it described as the “endless cycle of adjournments” often associated with high-profile corruption cases.

Reaffirming its commitment to monitoring the proceedings, the group stressed that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.

“The trial must proceed. The truth must be uncovered. Justice must be served,” the statement concluded.