The trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over an alleged N3.1 billion fraud has been adjourned to July 16, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, fixed the date on Wednesday as the nearly 11-year-old case approaches conclusion.

Suswam and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged theft, criminal breach of trust, illegal award of contracts and money laundering involving N3.1 billion.

The EFCC alleges that the funds were proceeds from the sale of the Benue State Government's shares in Benue Cement Company and were diverted through Elixir Securities Ltd and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

The prosecution called nine witnesses during the trial, while Suswam testified as the sole witness for the defence.

The defendants were first arraigned in November 2015 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed.

The case was later transferred to Justice Okon Abang before returning to Justice Mohammed following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

After Justice Mohammed's elevation to the appellate court, the matter was reassigned to Justice Lifu for a fresh trial.

Following their re-arraignment, both defendants filed a no-case submission, but Justice Lifu dismissed the application on July 23, 2025, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring them to enter their defence.

The defence opened its case on October 10, 2025, and the matter has now been adjourned for the adoption of final written addresses.