The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented its ninth and final prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, who is facing charges of alleged N3.1 billion fraud.

During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, EFCC counsel A.O. Atolagbe informed the court that the Commission would be closing its case after presenting Mr. Ape Sunday, an EFCC investigator who served as the ninth witness.

Suswam is being prosecuted alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, on an amended 11-count charge related to the alleged misappropriation of N3.1 billion, reportedly proceeds from the sale of Benue State's shares held by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.

The prosecution explained that they were compelled to close their case without presenting a tenth witness, Mrs. Shiedu Awade, a former cashier and executive officer of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited. According to the EFCC, Mrs. Awade has been hospitalized at the National Hospital, Abuja, and was unable to attend court due to the serious nature of her illness.

Following this development, defence counsels C.E. Ugbozor, representing Suswam, and Paul Erokoro, SAN, representing Okolobia, notified the court of their intention to file a "no-case submission." The defence teams are arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against their clients.

The defence requested 14 days to file their submission, while the EFCC asked for 21 days to prepare their response.

Justice Lifu, presiding over the case, adjourned the matter until June 24, 2025, for the adoption of the parties' written addresses on the no-case submission.

The case, which has been ongoing for several years, represents one of the high-profile corruption trials involving former state governors in Nigeria's efforts to combat public fund misappropriation.