Suswam’s alleged N3.1bn fraud trial delayed as court adjourns final arguments to September

By Benedicta Aboh

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam's alleged N3.1 billion fraud trial suffered another setback on Thursday as the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned proceedings to September 25, 2026, following his absence from court on health grounds.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the new date after Suswam and his lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, failed to appear for the scheduled adoption of final written addresses, a crucial stage before judgment.

At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that although the matter was slated for adoption of final addresses, he had received a letter from Erokoro explaining that both he and the first defendant would be unable to attend due to health reasons.

According to Jacobs, the defence counsel requested that the prosecution seek an adjournment on their behalf.

Jacobs, however, opposed the request, arguing that the case, which has lasted 11 years and passed through five different judges, should not be delayed further.

He urged the court to proceed with the adoption of the written addresses or, alternatively, adjourn the matter until the following day and allow Suswam to participate virtually.

He alleged that the defendant had recently attended public functions, insisting that the repeated delays were undermining the administration of justice.

He also argued that no medical report had been presented to support the request for adjournment and cited Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which permits certain proceedings to continue in the absence of a defendant.

Counsel to the second defendant, Audu Agunga, SAN, did not oppose the application for adjournment, saying the explanation contained in the letter suggested that the first defendant genuinely required time to recover.

He urged the court to exercise its discretion in the interest of justice.

Responding, Jacobs criticised Agunga for, in his view, assuming the role of counsel to the first defendant, maintaining that the application lacked supporting medical evidence and should not warrant another delay.

After listening to the submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until September 25, 2026, when counsel are expected to adopt their final written addresses before the court.