FG fails to arraign Suswam today over DSS detention
The Federal Government on Tuesday failed to arraign former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam at an Abuja Federal High Court on charges bordering on unlawful possession of firearms.
Suswam was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 25 on allegations of possession of illegal firearms, plots of land, designer watches and exotic cars.
The prosecution had earlier indicated readiness to arraign the ex-governor today but the case could hold because the DSS did not produce him.
Consequently, Justice John Tsoho adjourned the case to May 11 for arraignment.
Meanwhile, an Abuja based lawyer, Barrister Igbatule Dugwer yesterday accused Governor Samuel Ortom of having a hand in the current predicament of his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam.
Aside the proposed arraignment, Suswam is facing two separate charges before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
In a statement released on Tuesday,Dugwer said, “It is no longer news that the former Governor of Benue State Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam has been detained by the DSS upon the active instigation of Governor Samuel Ortom on allegation of illegal possession of arms since 25th February 2017 till date.”
He stated that Suswam’s predicament was due to the governor’s vow to ensure that Suswam “remains behind bars until Local Government elections are concluded in Benue State in June 2017.”
Suswam’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) had filed a fundamental rights suit demanding the sum of N10 billion in damages over the prolonged detention.
