By Chizoba Ogbeche
Abuja
A prosecution witness in the trial of a former governor of Benue state, Gabriel Suswam, and his Commissioner for Finance, Okolobia Okpanachi, yesterday told Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja, how the sum of N1billion was allegedly paid to Elixir Security Limited, after a meeting with Okpanachi.
Suswan and Okolobia are facing a nine-count charge bordering on diversion of N3.1 billion during his tenure as governor.
A press statement by EFCC spokesperson, yesterday in Abuja, said at the resumed hearing, the witness, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benue Investment and Property, Brijid Shiedu, was led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs.
The spokesperson said the witness also told the court that both Suswam and Okpanachi directed BIPCL to pay Elixir the proceeds of Benue State shares, into two accounts, provided by the ministry of finance letter head, noting, however, that no specific amount was indicated in the correspondence.
‘‘When Elixir called me to find out what was to be paid into each of the accounts, I said that since the money was going to the Benue State government, a request should be forwarded to the Commissioner of Finance. It was communicated on the Company’s letter head,” Shiedie said.
He said the defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, asked for an adjournment to enable him cross-examine the witness, saying she is crucial to the case.