Suswam Arraigned On Fresh Corruption Charges

Former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, was on Monday arraigned before an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on a fresh 32-count charge of fraud.

The ex-governor was arraigned alongside two others, Omadachi Oklobia, a former finance commissioner in the state and Jeneth Aluga, a former accountant general of Benue, by the Federal Government.

They are accused of diverting sums of money amounting to N9.79 billion naira from the Benue State subsidy reinvestment programme, SURE-P.

The funds, part of which was meant for a police reform programme and SURE-P, were allegedly diverted between 2012 and 2015 while Mr. Suswam was the governor of Benue State.

The SURE-P scheme was set up by the then President Goodluck Jonathan administration following the partial removal of fuel subsidy in 2012.

They however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The three defendants are already facing a similar charge at the same court presided over by another judge.

Recall that the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested Suswam on Sunday, February 25th, 2017, on the allegations that car keys, certificate of occupancy of landed properties, among others were found in his residence.

DSS also alleged that a gun was found in his apartment during the raid.

The secret service is also investigating the ex-governor for allegedly building an armoury in his mansion, which is under construction in Makurdi.

He was however reportedly released after 70 days in custody.