Crime

#3.1bn Fraud: Witness Testifies on $15.8 Million Cash Delivery to Suswam in Abuja

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 29th, 2024.

#3.1bn Fraud: Witness Testifies on $15.8 Million Cash Delivery to Suswam in Abuja

Abubakar Umar, a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified that he delivered $15.8 million in cash—approximately ₦3.1 billion—to Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue State, at Suswam’s residence in Abuja in 2014.

In 2020, Suswam and Omadachi Okolobia, a former finance commissioner in Benue, faced an 11-count indictment related to money laundering, accused of misappropriating ₦3.1 billion from state funds. Their initial arraignment occurred in 2015 before Judge Ahmed Mohammed of the federal high court.

During the court proceedings on Friday, Umar, who operates a bureau de change, recounted how he received funds from Suswam through intermediaries in multiple transactions.

“On one occasion in 2014, I was asked to meet the former governor at his home in Maitama, Abuja. When I arrived, he was there with a woman,” Umar stated. “He instructed me to provide my account number to her, which I did, giving her my Zenith Bank account details. She indicated she would transfer money to me.”

On August 8, 2014, Umar’s account received a transfer of ₦413 million. He contacted Suswam, who instructed him to convert the funds into dollars, allowing him some time to complete the transaction.

“Three days later, after I had acquired the dollar equivalent, I notified the former governor that the funds were ready. He then asked me to bring the money to his residence in Maitama, near Jumat Mosque. I advised him to inform the security personnel at the gate about my arrival to ensure access.”

Umar took a cab to Suswam’s house, where he presented himself at the gate. After confirming his identity, he was granted access and waited in a designated area until Suswam arrived.

“I produced the cash, which we verified as equivalent to the ₦413 million transferred. Overall, the total funds sent to my account reached ₦3 billion,” he confirmed.

Following Umar’s testimony, Peter Lifu, the presiding judge, adjourned the case until October 4, 2024, for further proceedings.