The ‘no-case’ submission filed by the legal team of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and another defendant in the alleged ₦3.1billion fraud case instituted against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been dismissed by the Federal High Court.

Naijaonpoint reports that Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Wednesday in the case which has been on since 2015.

The judge stated that Suswam and the former Commissioner for Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, need to defend themselves against the allegations, considering the testimonies given by witnesses during the proceedings.

The defense had on May 14, 2025, filed a “no-case” submission, insisting that their clients had no case to answer.

The defense made the oral application before Justice Lifu after O.A. Atolagbe, counsel for the EFCC, informed the court that the Commission had closed its case against the ex-governor and the other defendant.

The EFCC concluded its case against Suswam in 2023 before Justice Ahmed Mohammed, however, the matter restarted before Justice Lifu.

Recall that the EFCC had arrested Suswam in 2015 over corruption allegations stemming from his administration.

Suswam and his former Finance Commissioner are facing an 11-count amended charge of ₦3.1billion money laundering.

The EFCC alleged, among other things, that the funds were part of the proceeds from the sale of state government shares, held by Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, and sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

The ex-governor and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty, paving the way for trial.