Di civil society organisation wey dey fight corruption, CSLFAAT, don express serious concern over di prolonged trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and im former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia. Di case wey start since 2015 don spend over 11 years for Federal High Court for Abuja, and no final judgment don come out.
Di group, through im spokesperson Mohammed Saad, tok say dis kind delay na big setback for justice and anti-corruption fight. Dem note say di case don suffer because of many transfers between judges: first na Justice Ahmed Mohammed, then Justice Okon Abang, back to Justice Mohammed, and now Justice Peter Lifu. Each time di case move, dem begin again from start, wey dey waste time.
For Thursday proceedings, Suswam no show for court. Di prosecuting lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), tell court say dem suppose adopt final written addresses, but Suswam im lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), send letter say dem no go come because of health reason. Jacobs oppose di adjournment, say di case don old reach 11 years and dis na di fifth judge to handle am. He ask court to adjourn till July 17 and connect Suswam via zoom if e no fit come. Jacobs even tok say Suswam dey attend public functions last week, so dem dey make mockery of justice.
Lawyer to Oklobia, Audu Agunga (SAN), say dem no oppose di adjournment. But Jacobs reply say Agunga dey act like Suswam im lawyer, wey e no suppose do. Di judge, Justice Peter Lifu, finally adjourn till September 25 for adoption of final addresses.
Di EFCC allege say di defendants collect N3.1 billion from sale of Benue State government shares for Benue Cement Company through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited. Di anti-graft agency don call nine witnesses, while Suswam testify as di only defence witness. CSLFAAT urge court to fix quick date and stop wetin dem call endless cycle of adjournments. Dem also call on Suswam to cooperate, say im absence raise questions about commitment to transparency.
