Suswam’s absence delays N3.1bn fraud trial
The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud was on Thursday adjourned until September 25, 2026, after his absence stalled the adoption of final written addresses.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, fixed the new date after Suswam and his lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, failed to appear in court, citing health grounds.
*Suswam
Nkereuwem Effiong
The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud was on Thursday adjourned until September 25, 2026, after his absence stalled the adoption of final written addresses.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, fixed the new date after Suswam and his lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, failed to appear in court, citing health grounds.
At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the adoption of final written addresses. However, he said he had received a letter from Erokoro explaining that both he and Suswam, the first defendant, were unable to attend court due to ill health.
According to Jacobs, the defence counsel requested that he apply for an adjournment on behalf of the first defendant.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Jacobs urged the court to reject the request and allow the prosecution to proceed with the adoption of its final written address.
“We are surprised that there is a letter from the first defendant’s counsel saying he will not be in court. I should oppose this application and urge the court to allow us to adopt our final written address, rather than adjourn a case that has lasted 11 years and has already been handled by five judges,” he said.
Although he urged the court to adjourn the matter only until Friday, July 17, 2026, Jacobs requested that Suswam participate virtually if he was unable to attend physically.
“I urge the court to adjourn this matter till tomorrow and direct that the defendant join the proceedings via Zoom, even if he is at home. We should have concluded this case more than a year ago. We saw the first defendant attending public functions just last week. They are making a mockery of the justice system and bringing it into disrepute,” he argued.
Counsel to the second defendant, Audu Agunga, SAN, supported the application for an adjournment, saying the reasons contained in the letter indicated that Suswam required time to recover.
“We are interested parties in this matter. We are only fortunate to be in good health. We are not opposed to the application. It is justified and in the interest of justice. The court has the discretion to grant the request under the circumstances,” he said.
In response, Jacobs criticised Agunga for, in his view, assuming the role of counsel to the first defendant.
“My learned friend is taking over as counsel to the first defendant. His role is simply to either oppose or support the application. There is no medical report before the court to justify the request. Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows an application to be heard even in the absence of the defendant,” he argued.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, for the adoption of the parties’ final written addresses.
