The long-running trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud suffered another delay on Thursday after his absence from court halted the adoption of final written addresses, drawing sharp criticism from the prosecution over what it described as a continued frustration of justice.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, after receiving a letter from Suswam’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), stating that both the former governor and his lawyer would be unable to attend proceedings due to health challenges.
The matter had been scheduled for the adoption of final written addresses, a crucial stage that would have brought the 11-year-old prosecution closer to judgment.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), strongly opposed the application for an adjournment, arguing that the case had already suffered excessive delays after passing through five different judges over the past decade.
Expressing frustration, Jacobs told the court that the latest request was another setback in a case that should have been concluded long ago.
“We are surprised that there is a letter from the first defendant’s counsel saying he will not be in court. I oppose this application and urge the court to allow us adopt our final written address instead of granting another adjournment in a case that is already 11 years old. Your Lordship is the fifth judge to preside over this matter,” he said.
The prosecution urged the court to postpone proceedings only until Friday, July 17, and requested that Suswam be directed to participate virtually if he was medically unfit to appear physically.
Jacobs further argued that the former governor had recently been seen attending public events, questioning the credibility of the health claim and accusing the defence of making “a mockery of the justice system.”
“My Lord, we would have concluded this case more than a year ago. We saw the first defendant attending public functions just last week. They are bringing the justice system into disrepute,” the prosecutor submitted.
However, counsel to the second defendant, Audu Agunga (SAN), supported the application for an adjournment, maintaining that the explanation provided by the defence indicated that Suswam genuinely required time to recover.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion in the interest of justice, noting that health challenges could affect anyone.
Jacobs, in response, criticised Agunga for what he described as acting on behalf of the first defendant and insisted there was no medical evidence before the court to justify another delay.
He further argued that under Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the court was empowered to proceed with the application even in the defendant’s absence.
After listening to the submissions of both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to September 25, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
Suswam is standing trial alongside his former Commissioner for Finance over allegations involving the diversion of N3.1 billion belonging to the Benue State Government. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The latest adjournment means the corruption case, which has lingered in court for more than a decade, will remain unresolved as it inches slowly toward judgment.