Suswam: Why DSS freed ex-Benue governor

After 71 days in the custody of the Department of States Security Service, DSS, former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has been released.

It was gathered that Hon  Suswam was released yesterday at about 3:30pm.

The former governor had on 25 February, 2017 honoured invitation by the DSS over alleged possession of firearms and link with militia gang leader, Terwase Akwaza.
He was, however , detained afterhhe honoured the invitation of the DSS.

A source close to the former governor of Benue state, Gabriel Suswam, told our correspondent that the former governor was released on self- recognition, but agreed to honour the DSS invitation  whenever he is needed.

The former governor is standing trial at a federal High court Abuja, over allegation of fraud.

A group, Benue Concerned Citizens had last week called on the Department of State Service to immediately release Dr Gabriel Suswam or charge him to court for whatever offence he was being held for.

Several attempts to get him out of detention or have the DSS charge him to court hit a brick wall as the service claimed that his release would jeopardise peace in Benue State.

While addressing journalists in Abuja, the leader of the group, Hon. Tim Nyor said the continued detention of Dr Suswam was not only unconstitutional but a gross abuse of his fundamental human rights.

“As a constitutional democracy, the Nigerian state must always act within the provisions of the law no matter the attraction to do otherwise. In this instance, the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, is very clear that no body shall be detained for more than 48 hours without being charged to court. It is unconstitutional therefore that he has been kept incommunicado for over two months.

“This is illegal, unconstitutional, immoral and unethical. The fundamental human rights of this Benue leader Gabriel Suswam has been grossly abused. This brazen violation of the constitutional provisions by the DSS in this case must stop forthwith. We demand the unconditional release of this Benue leader,” the group said.

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