By EricJames Ochigbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 29 for adoption of final written addresses in the alleged N3.1 billion money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Gov. Gabriel Suswam.
Hearing notices, in the matter which is before Justice Peter Lifu, had been issued to parties.
The trial of the former governor and his erstwhile Commissioner of Finance, Mr Omadachi Oklobia, is connected to the proceed from the sale of Benue State Government shares in Dangote Cement Plc.
The shares was allegedly held on behalf of the state by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited and was sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Ltd.
Suswam, who was governor from 2007 to 2015, and his co-defendant were first arraigned in November 2015 by the EFCC before Justice Ahmed Mohammed for allegedly diverting N3.1 billion, part of the proceeds from the sale of the shares.
In the amended charge, the EFCC alleged that Okolobia transacted a total of N578 million in four tranches, exceeding the cash transaction limit under the money laundering law, between December 2014 and January 2015.
The case, which was initially handled by Justice Mohammed, faced multiple delays over the years including the withdrawal of three justices from the case.
Justice Lifu, who is currently handling the case, had earlier adjourned hearing to Jan. 20 for adoption of final written addresses.
The court, however, did not sit on the said date due to the absence of the judge.
Meanwhile, parties would be adopting their final written addresses on May 29 in the matter that started 11 years ago.