A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has a case to answer in connection with N3.1 billion fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sahara reporters gathered.

Justice Peter Lifu, delivering ruling on a no-case submission filed by Suswam and his co-defendant, Omodachi Okolobia, a former Commissioner for Finance, held that the EFCC successfully established a prima facie case against the defendants, thereby warranting a full trial.

The judge dismissed the no-case submission as lacking merit and ordered both defendants to open their defence. The matter has been adjourned to September 22 and 26, 2025, for continuation.

Suswam and Okolobia are facing an 11-count amended charge bordering on the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion, said to be part of the proceeds from the sale of Benue State government shares held by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited and allegedly diverted through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

Counsel to the defendants, Chenelu Ogbozor and Paul Erokoro (SAN), had earlier urged the court to uphold the no-case submission filed under Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, arguing that the prosecution failed to link their clients to the alleged crimes.

However, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) countered their motion, urging the court to dismiss it on grounds that it was without substance.

Justice Lifu sided with the prosecution, ruling that the EFCC had presented sufficient evidence to necessitate the defendants entering a formal defence.