The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud suffered another setback on Thursday after his absence from court stalled the adoption of final written addresses….
The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud suffered another setback on Thursday after his absence from court stalled the adoption of final written addresses.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, following a request from Suswam’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), who informed the court through a letter that both he and the first defendant could not attend proceedings due to health reasons.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed a lengthy adjournment, describing the matter as an 11-year-old case that had already passed through five judges.
“We are surprised that there is a letter from the first defendant’s counsel saying he will not be in court,” Jacobs said. “I should oppose this application and urge the court to give us leave to move for the adoption of the written address, and not to seek adjournment in a case that is 11 years old.”
Jacobs urged the court to adjourn the matter only until July 17, 2026, and requested that Suswam participate virtually if he was unable to appear physically.
“I would urge the court to adjourn this matter till tomorrow and ask the court to connect the defendant to Zoom even if he is at home. We have seen the first defendant even last week attending public functions. They are making mockery of the justice system and bringing it into disrepute,” he argued.
Counsel to the second defendant, Audu Agunga (SAN), did not oppose the request for an adjournment, saying the explanation provided indicated that Suswam required time to recover.
“We are not opposed to the application. It is most warranted and in the interest of justice. The court will be better served, and this court has the discretion in the circumstance,” Agunga said.
Responding, Jacobs criticised the submission, arguing that Agunga was effectively acting on behalf of the first defendant.
He also noted that no medical report had been presented before the court and cited Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which allows certain proceedings to continue in the absence of a defendant.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until September 25, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by counsel.
