A former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, and two of his former aides on Monday rejected Federal Government’s proposal to transfer their trial from Abuja to Benue. The former governor and his aides are standing trial for allegedly diverting the state’s N9.79 billion. The affected aides are – former commissioner in the state, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia, and the former Accountant in Benue State Government House, Mrs. Janet Aluga.

The fund, according to the prosecution, was earmarked for police reform and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). The SUEE-P was introduced by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration following the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012. The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiracy, conversion of property derived directly from corruption, collaboration to conceal property derived from corruption, obtaining by false pretence and accepting cash payments exceeding the amount authorised by law.

The offences, according to the prosecution, were committed between 2012 and 2015.