The trial of former Benue governor, Gabriel Suswan and his finance commissioner, Omodachi Okolobia continued on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 with the prosecution witness, Aluyi Victor telling Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, that Elixir Investment Partners, under verbal instruction from Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPCL) transferred the sum of N413 million to Fanfash Resources.
While being cross-examined by Suswan’s counsel, Joseph P. Daudu, SAN, Victor, a portfolio manager working with Elixir Investment Partners Limited told the court that, “exhibit 24 (Funds Transfer Instruction) showed Fanfash Resources to be the beneficiary of funds transfer which instruction was given from Elixir Investment Partners to Diamond Bank Plc.”
He stated that, the mandate given to Elixir was to sell shares at not more than 15 percent to the then current market price adding that, the same company (Elixir) gave the advice in order for the shares to be sold easily.
Thereafter, the witness was discharged for the day as there was no further question from the defence or re-examination from the prosecuting counsel.
Justice Mohammed adjourned to April 28 and 29, 2016 for continuation of trial.
However, the judge granted permission to Suswan’s request to travel abroad for medicals.
The judge in granting the application ordered Suswan’s passport to be released to him adding that, he must be back before the next date to continue his trial. He further ordered Suswan to submit his passport back to the court registrar on his return.
Suswan and Omodachi are being prosecuted by the EFCC, on a 9-count charge bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N3.1 bn.
The duo 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, Sub-section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act as amended in 2012.
