The alleged N3.1 billion fraud trial involving former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, suffered another delay on Thursday, after his absence stalled the adoption of final written addresses before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter until September 25, 2026, after prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that Suswam’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), had written to explain that both counsel and the first defendant could not attend the proceedings on health grounds.
Jacobs told the court that the matter was scheduled for the adoption of final written addresses and expressed surprise at the request for adjournment in a case that has lasted 11 years and passed through five judges.
“We are surprised that there is a letter from the first defendant’s counsel, saying he will not be in court. I should oppose this application and urge the court to give us leave to move for the adoption of the written address, and not to seek adjournment in a case that is 11 years old and your lordship is the fifth judge to come and sit on the case,” Jacobs said.
The prosecution counsel urged the court to adjourn the matter only until Friday, July 17, 2026, and requested that Suswam be allowed to participate virtually via Zoom if he is unable to attend physically.
“I would urge the court to adjourn this matter till tomorrow and ask the court to connect the defendant to Zoom even if he is at home to join the matter. ”
My lord, we would have closed this case for more than a year now. We have seen the first defendant even last week attending public functions.
“They are making mockery of the justice system and bringing the justice system into disrepute,” he added.
Counsel to the second defendant, Audu Agunga (SAN), did not oppose the adjournment request, arguing that the explanation given suggested the defendant required rest and that granting the application would serve the interest of justice.
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“We are an interested party. We are just lucky that we are in good health. On our own part, we are not opposed to the application; it is most warranted and in the interest of justice. The court will be better served and this court has the discretion in the circumstance,” Agunga said.
In response, Jacobs objected to what he described as an attempt by the second defendant’s counsel to assume the role of counsel to the first defendant.
He also argued that no medical record had been presented before the court to support the request for adjournment.
“Your lordship can even disregard the request for adjournment because there is no medical record before the court. Section 266 of the ACJA says that an application can be taken even in the absence of the defendant,” Jacobs argued.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by counsel.
