The Department of State Security has accused Benue State former Governor, Gabriel Suswam of having links with a militant group that recently attacked Zaki Biam, which led to death of hundreds of people.
The agency disclosed this Tuesday when it brought a fresh application on why Suswam is still detained in its cell.
The office of the Attorney General of the Federation filed the application which stalled the hearing of a Fundamental Human Rights enforcement suit filed by the former Governor.
Suswam has been in the custody of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) since 25 February.
When the suit came up before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal high court Abuja, applicant’s counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, informed the court that the respondent was served with the originating summon on April 19, 2017.
“However, this morning at about 9.45 am in the court I was served with counter affidavit (by the DSS) and a written address in opposition to the motion,” he said.
“We want to exercise right of reply and in the circumstance ask for short adjournment”, he said.
The DSS counsel, Terhemba Agbe said they have no objection to the prayer for an adjournment. Agbe did not comment on the application he filed but he admitted that the applicant was served with it in the court room.
The counter affidavit in question sworn to by Abdullahi Adamu, an operatives of DSS, is praying the court not to release Suswam because he is linked with the militant group that attacked Zaki Biam, Benue State.
The DSS also stated that a security report from Benue state government alleged that the state will be ungovernable if Suswam is released.
An attempt on Tuesday by Adedeji to move an ex-parte motion earlier filed that seeks to compel the 1st respondent to unconditionally release Suswam was refused by the Judge who noted that it was no longer necessary as the respondents have joined issues.
Suswam who is currently held in the custody of the DSS had asked the Federal High Court in Abuja in the substantive suit for an order of unconditional release from detention.
The ex-governor has also asked the court in the suit for N10bn compensation for unlawful incarceration and violation of his rights.
Justice Kolawole has adjourned further hearing till May 10.
In the suit, Suswam is seeking compensation for unlawful incarceration and violation of his rights.
He also asked for another order directing the respondents to tender public apology to him in seven national dailies of very wide circulation for the “illegal arrest and detention.”
Suswam further asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents particularly the DSS from torturing him and if proven that he had been tortured, the court should “nullify any statements, documents or other materials that may have been extracted or obtained” from him under “such unwholesome and constitutionally prohibited circumstances”
In a related development,the paramount ruler of the Tiv Traditional council and the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse Tuesday sent a high power delegation headed by a first class Chief, Tor Jechira, Chief Clement Uganden to visit the Director General of the DSS, Lawal Daura over the continued detention of former Governor of Benue State.
Tor Jechira was accompanied by Ter Ukum, Chief Teran Kwaghbo, Ter Logo, Chief Jimmy Meeme and Ter Katsina/Ala Chief Fezanga Wombo.
Suswam was taken into custody by the States Security Service on 25 February, 2017 when he was invited by the service for some interactions over alleged discovery of firearms in his car in Dunes maitama, Abuja.
A member of the delegation who pleaded anormity with our correspondent said that the essence of the visit was to see their son as well as the Director General and find out what is actually the case against their son and to report same to the Tor Tiv Professor Ayatse as directed by the Tiv Traditional Council,TTC.
