By Vivian Okejeme
Abuja
The trial of former Benue state Governor, Gabriel Suswam, over alleged financial misappropriation before Justice Ahmed Mohammed, of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday stalled due to the absence of the second defendant.
Suswam (1st defendant) and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Okolobia (2nd defendant), were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine- count charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N3.1 billion.
The defendants were alleged to have diverted proceeds of the sale of shares owned by Benue state government and Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to Okolobia, Samson Egede, informed the judge about the absence of the 2nd defendant.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole, on Monday, remanded Okolobia and his bail condition had not been perfected.
The counsel assured Justice Ahmed Mohammed that the defence was taking all necessary steps to ensure that their clients were available to face his trial.
He said although the court had admitted Okolobia to bail, he was yet to meet the conditions attached.
He then prayed the court for an adjournment to enable Okolobia meet his bail conditions and stand trial.
Reacting, the prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, said he was informed of the development of the inability of the 2nd defendant to perfect his bail conditions.
He, however, noted that the trial had been stalled for so long and urged the court for short adjournment.
He also informed the court that the prosecution witnesses were available and ready to give their testimony.
Counsel to Suswam, Taiwo Kawo, said he would not opposed the adjournment, adding that he was aware of the situation and pleaded for adequate time and long adjournment to enable the 2nd defendant perfect his bail.
Consequently, Justice Mohammed adjourned till September 28, 2017, for continuation of trial.
