Ex Gov Gabriel Suswam, Finance Comm Omodachi Okolobia Arraigned Granted N100m Bail Each In N3.1billion Money Laundering Charge

Ex governor Gabriel Suswam and his finance commissioner Omodachi Okolobia were arraigned this morning at a Federal High court, Abuja on corruption charges.

They were both granted bail and trial fixed for Tuesday December 8 and Wednesday December 9.

Online platform, thelight reports the development in full ‘the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made it good its promise to formally drag former Governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswam to court for diversion of funds and money laundering. Ex Gov Gabriel Suswam
This morning at a Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice A. R. Mohammed, Mr. Suswam who was escorted into the court premises by officials of the anti-graft agency was on a 9-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of 3.1 billion Naira.

Mr Suswam and his former Finance Commissioner, Mr Omodachi Okolobia, were alleged to have diverted the proceeds of the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government and Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.

The offence is punishable under Section 15, Subsection 3 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act as amended in 2012.

The EFCC had questioned both men ln October, 2015 but released them on administrative bail.

The former Governor had stiffly maintained his innocence and stressed that the job of a Governor was so delicate that occupying the office for 24 hours was capable of sending one to jail.

At the proceedings today, Governor Suswam was docked and his plea was taken, he pleaded not guilty. The same not guilty plea also emanated from the other accused person, the former Commissioner of Finance

The court thereafter granted them bail in the sum of 100 million naira each and one surety each who shall be not less than a Director, Grade Level 12 in the employment of the federal, state or local government.

Each surety shall swear an affidavit of means while the two accused persons are to submit their travel documents in the custody of the court.

Trial has been set for December 8 and 9, while bail was not opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.’