EFCC Quizzes Ex-Benue Governor, Suswam

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, is presently in the net of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of graft perpetrated during his tenure.

The EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Suswan honoured the commission’s invitation and was being questioned at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

“Suswan honoured the commission’s invitation today, but I cannot confirm if he is still within the premises, I am not in the office at the moment,” Uwujaren said.

EFCC had begun investigations into the administration of the ex-governor who governed Benue State from 2007-2015.
As part of efforts to gather facts in evidence against the former governor, EFCC, last Friday questioned a former commissioner in the state, Mr. Odachi Oklobia.

• Oklobia who served as the commissioner for finance in the Suswan-led administration, was at the national headquarters of EFCC where he answered questions relating to financial corruption.


• THISDAY gathered that Oklobia made interesting revelations in his attempt to defend allegations of embezzlement, and fraud levelled against him and his former boss.


• Uwujaren confirmed that Oklobia was at the commission last Friday, where he answered questions posed to him.
• He however declined to give details on the issue.


• Meanwhile, back in his state, reprieve came the way of Suswam over his trial by the state Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Samuel Ortom as the state Chief Judge, Iorhemen Hwande, monday granted an ex-parte motion filed by the former governor restraining the Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing his administration from continuation of hearing.


• The suit which was filed last week, however granted restraining order against the state government through the commission from probing his government.


• In the ex-parte motion, it was learnt that the former governor queried the constitution of the panel which he said was done unlawfully, arguing that some members of the panel lack the locus standi to sit on it.

While granting the motion, the chief judge directed that the panel be served within seven days and further asked that the commission stop forthwith, the investigation of the administration of Suswam.

The matter has been fixed for October 15, for commencement of hearing.
Governor Ortom had constituted two panels namely; Judicial Commission to probe sale and purchase of government property and administrative panel to verify assets and liabilities of government under Suswam’s government.