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.
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.
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