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Torkwase Nyiekaa
A civil society organisation, Civil Society Leaders for Anti-Corruption and Transparency (CSLFAAT), has called for the speedy conclusion of the long-running trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, describing the more than 11-year prosecution as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
The group made the call on Thursday following proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, where the matter came up for hearing. It noted that while the court sat and heard the case, Suswam was absent from the proceedings.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mohammed Saad, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged delay in concluding a case involving the alleged diversion of ₦3.1 billion in public funds.
“It is deeply troubling that this case which commenced in November 2015 has now spent over 11 years in the corridors of the Federal High Court with no end in sight,” the statement read.
The group lamented that the matter had been reassigned to several judges over the years, beginning with Justice Ahmed Mohammed, then Justice Okon Abang, back to Justice Mohammed and now Justice Peter Lifu, arguing that each reassignment had effectively reset the proceedings and prolonged the trial.
“Each transfer has meant a fresh start, a costly and unnecessary delay that has denied the people of Benue State the justice they deserve,” it stated.
The organisation questioned why the trial had remained unresolved for more than a decade and urged the judiciary to provide clarity on the factors responsible for the delay.
“We demand answers as to why this critical stage of the trial is allowed to drift without explanation. The citizens of Benue State and indeed all Nigerians have a right to know why a case involving ₦3.1 billion of public funds has been allowed to languish for over a decade. The court must provide clarity on why the matter has taken this long and what steps are being taken to expedite the process.”
According to the group, there was little left to be done in the proceedings, noting that the prosecution and defence had substantially concluded their respective cases.
“The time for excuses is over. This case must be given the urgent and necessary attention it requires. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has presented its witnesses, the defence has been heard and all that remains is the adoption of final addresses. There is no justification for further delays.
“We demand a speedy trial, not the usual prolonged legal marathon that has become the hallmark of high-profile corruption cases in this country. We want this matter brought to an end within the shortest possible time.”
CSLFAAT also criticised Suswam’s absence from Thursday’s proceedings, urging the former governor to cooperate fully with the judicial process.
“We call on Gabriel Suswam to fully cooperate with the judicial process and allow this case to reach its logical conclusion. His failure to appear in court today raises serious questions about his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The people of Benue State are watching and they demand that Suswam respect the judicial process and ensure that no further obstacles are placed in the path of justice.”
The group further appealed to the court to fix a near adjournment date to avoid prolonging the proceedings.
“We demand that the adjournment date be set very close and not far into the future. This matter must not be allowed to drag on any longer. The court should fix a date that is reasonable and proximate to ensure the swift conclusion of this trial. The endless cycle of adjournments must stop.”
Reaffirming its commitment to monitoring the proceedings, the organisation warned that it would continue to follow the case closely until its conclusion.
“Let it be known that we will not relent. We will continue to follow this case with the vigilance it demands. This time it will not be as usual, where a matter drags on for years in our courts and is later swept under the carpet with no consequences for the accused. Justice delayed is justice denied and we will not allow that to happen.”
The group also urged the judiciary to safeguard public confidence in the justice system by ensuring that the matter is concluded without further delay.
“We urge the judiciary to uphold its integrity and ensure that this case is heard and determined without further delay. The patience of the Nigerian people is wearing thin and the fight against corruption cannot afford to be undermined by endless adjournments and procedural setbacks.
“This matter must come to an end. The guilty must face the full wrath of the law and the innocent must be acquitted accordingly. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a travesty of justice.
“The trial must proceed. The truth must be uncovered. Justice must be served.”
Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, have been standing trial since 2015 on charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of about ₦3.1 billion said to have accrued to Benue State from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the trial has witnessed several delays arising from judicial reassignments and adjournments over the years.
