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By Tracy Moses
The Civil Society Leaders for Anti-Corruption and Transparency (CSLFAAT) has called for the speedy conclusion of the ₦3.1 billion fraud trial involving former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, saying the prolonged proceedings undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
The group made the call on Thursday after the matter came up before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mohammed Saad, the organisation said it observed that Suswam was absent from Thursday’s proceedings and expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of the trial, which it noted began in November 2015.
“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.
According to the group, the case has passed through several judges over the years, beginning with Justice Ahmed Mohammed, then Justice Okon Abang, back to Justice Mohammed and now Justice Peter Lifu, with each reassignment contributing to delays in the proceedings.
“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 said Nigerians deserved an explanation for why the trial had remained unresolved after more than a decade.
“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.”
CSLFAAT further claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had concluded its case and that the defence had also been heard, leaving only the adoption of final addresses.
“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.”
The group also urged Suswam to cooperate fully with the judicial process, saying his alleged absence from Thursday’s proceedings raised questions about his commitment to the trial.
“We call on Gabriel Suswam to fully cooperate with the judicial process and allow this case to reach its logical conclusion. 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.”
It also appealed to the court to fix a near adjournment date to facilitate the expeditious conclusion of the case.
“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 said it would continue to follow the case until its conclusion.
“Justice delayed is justice denied and we will not allow that to happen,” the statement added.
The group further urged the judiciary to ensure that the matter is concluded without unnecessary delays, insisting that public confidence in the fight against corruption depends on the timely dispensation of justice.
“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.”
The EFCC arraigned Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, in 2015 over allegations bordering on the diversion of about ₦3.1 billion said to be proceeds of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Since the trial commenced, the case has witnessed multiple adjournments and judicial reassignments, contributing to its prolonged duration.