CSLFAAT Calls for Expedited Resolution of High-Profile Fraud Trial
Civil Society Leaders for Anti-Corruption and Transparency (CSLFAAT) has urged for a swift conclusion to the ongoing N3.1 billion fraud trial against former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam. The organization believes the prolonged proceedings are eroding public confidence in the justice system.
This appeal was made on Thursday during a hearing before Justice Peter Riff at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja. CSLFAAT’s spokesperson, Mohammed Saad, highlighted Suswam’s absence from the trial and expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of proceedings that have been underway since November 2015.
In a statement, CSLFAAT remarked on the troubling duration of the trial, which has now spanned over 11 years. The organization pointed out that the case has been shuffled between multiple judges, beginning with Judge Ahmed Mohamed and continuing through Judges Okon Abban and Mohamed, before reaching Justice Riff. These transitions have, according to the group, contributed significantly to delays.
CSLFAAT emphasized that each change of judges represents a fresh start that introduces unnecessary complexities and prolongs the judicial process. They highlighted that the people of Benue State have a right to understand why such a significant case remains unresolved after more than a decade.
“Nigerians need clarity on why this crucial stage of the trial lacks transparency. The citizens, particularly from Benue State, deserve to know the reasons behind the neglect of this case, which involves ₦3.1 billion in public funds,” the statement asserted. The group has called for a prompt explanation from the court regarding the delays and the measures being implemented to hasten the process.
The organization reiterated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has completed its case presentation, with the defense also having concluded its hearing, leaving only the adoption of the final address. They argued that further delays are unacceptable: “The time for excuses has passed. We demand a speedy resolution to this matter, which should not be subjected to the all-too-common lengthy legal battles frequently seen in high-profile corruption cases.”
Furthermore, CSLFAAT noted Suswam’s absence on Thursday as potentially undermining his involvement in the trial and urged him to fully engage with the judicial proceedings. “We call on Gabriel Suswam to cooperate fully with the judicial process, allowing this case to reach its conclusive end. The public is observing closely,” they stated.
The organization also requested the court to set a timeline for concluding the case, insisting that the series of adjournments must come to a halt. They demanded a prompt date for the next hearing to facilitate the resolution of the proceedings, emphasizing that ongoing delays could damage public trust in the justice system.
CSLFAAT affirmed their commitment to monitoring the trial closely, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied, and we are determined to prevent this from happening.” They emphasized that the judiciary must ensure timely closure of the case to maintain public confidence in the fight against corruption, urging the system to uphold its integrity.
In 2015, the EFCC indicted Suswam and former Treasury Secretary Omadachi Okorobia for misappropriating ₦3.1 billion linked to the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P). Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, but the trial has faced numerous postponements, exacerbating its already extended timeline.
