Former Gov Gabriel Suswam Battles To Regain Freedom After Over 1Month In Detention

Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was battling for bail yesterday after spending over one month in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).

It was learnt that the counsel to the former governor, Mr. J.B. Daudu (SAN), came from Kaduna to Abuja yesterday to press for his bail.

The DSS is still investigating the ex-governor for alleged link with a militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana) who has held three local governments captive in Benue State.

The local government areas are Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum.

The continued detention of the former governor is said to be for “security reasons.”

The recent invasion of Zaki-Biam by unknown militia was said to have fuelled the decision of the DSS to hold on to Suswam.

Some supporters of the ex-governor, however, suspect that he is being detained because of the forthcoming June 3 local government poll.

Suswam has been battling for bail after spending one month and eight days in custody.

A source said: “Apart from responding to about six petitions, a major claim against Suswam is security reason. The rampaging activities of Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana) and his boys have been giving the state government a sleepless night.

“There are some intelligence reports that the ex-governor has a link with the militia leader and it might pose a ‘grave security risk’ to release him.

“But the ex-governor, who has denied any relationship with the militia leader, said there was no way he could locate Akwazza.”

Suswam’s counsel, Mr. J.B. Daudu (SAN), has been shuttling between his base in Kaduna and Abuja to secure bail for his client.

“The battle for bail is in process but I don’t think the DSS will yield grounds based on security reasons.

“With the evidence at hand, there is no way Suswam will not be prosecuted for fraud-related cases. The allegations against him are multi-dimensional,” the source added.

Some Benue State leaders are pushing for his release.

thenation