The long-running trial of former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, has once again suffered a setback, 10 years after it began.

Suswam, alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, is facing an amended 11-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of N3.1 billion. The funds were said to be proceeds from the sale of Benue State shares, managed through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited with Elixir Securities and Elixir Investment Partners.

At the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, September 22, Justice Peter Lifu expressed frustration after Suswam’s legal team failed to open their defence. Lead counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, sought a three-week adjournment, citing the hospitalisation of a team member and a pending appeal against the court’s earlier ruling dismissing a no-case submission.

The EFCC’s lawyer, A.O. Atolagbe, opposed the delay, stressing that the defence had over two months during the court’s recess to prepare.

“This matter has lingered for a decade,” Atolagbe argued, urging the court not to wait indefinitely for an appeal unless directed.

Justice Lifu lamented the prolonged nature of the case, saying:

“This case has been on for 10 years. No matter what, a matter should not drag this long.”

The trial has now been adjourned to October 10, 2025, with a clear directive for Suswam to open his defence.