A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday directed that the International Passport of former Governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam be released to him to travel abroad for medical surgery.
Mr. Suswam was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N3.1billion.
He had, however pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a short ruling, directed the registrar of the court to release Mr. Suswam’s passport to enable him to travel.
The judge directed that the defendant, upon his return to Nigeria, should submit the passport back to the registrar of the court.
Counsel to Mr. Suswam, Joseph Daudu (SAN), who filed the motion seeking the court`s permission to allow his client (Mr. Suswam) to travel, argued that the defendant needed urgent medical attention.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), did not oppose the application.
Mr. Jacobs, however, said the prosecution would not be comfortable with periodic release of the defendant’s passport.
“My lord, the pace at which this trial is going is good; we don’t want a situation whereby the trial will last for more than three years”, he said.
The case was therefore adjourned till April 28 and 29 for trial.
(NAN)
