Suswam (1st defendant) and his former Commissioner for Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, (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.
They were alleged to have diverted proceeds of the sale of shares owned by Benue Government and Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.
The offence, the EFCC said was punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
At the resumed trial before Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed on Wednesday, Oklobia’s counsel, Samson Egede, apologised to the court for the absence of his client.
He informed the court that Oklobia was on remand in Kuje Prison since Monday on the orders of Justice Gabriel Kolawole.
“Despite the fact that he was granted bail, the conditions are yet to be met”, he said and pleaded for an adjournment to enable him meet his bail conditions and face his trial.
The Federal Government arraigned Suswam, Oklobia and a former accountant of the Bebue state government house, Janeth Aluga before Justice Kolawole last Monday on a 32-count charge following alleged embezzlement of N9.8 billion, SURE-P money belonging to the state.
They were granted bail in the sum of N250 million each and a surety with a landed property in Abuja. The Judge had ordered their remand in Kuje Prison until the conditions were met.
The prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, however, said he was informed of the development of the inability of the 2nd defendant to perfect his bail conditions.
Atolagbe said the trial has been stalled for so long, saying prosecution witness was in court.
Suswam’s counsel, Tawa Tawa said he was not opposed to the adjournment, adding that he was aware of the situation and sought for adequate time and long adjournment to enable the 2nd defendant perfect his bail.
The trial Judge adjourned till September 28, 2017 for continuation of trial.
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