Middle Belt Group to DSS: Release ex-Gov Suswam unconditionally

Concerned citizens under the auspices of Middle Belt Renaissance Group has called on the leadership of the Department of State Service (DSS), to immediately release detained ex-governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, unconditionally.

The DSS had on last week Thursday detained Suswam after he reported at the service’s headquarters in Abuja to honour an invitation from the service.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, in Abuja, tPresident General of the group, Onoja King Esq, described the continued detention of the former governor as a violation of his constitutional right.

Onoja, who is a legal practitioner, cited Section 35 (1) (C) (4) & (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and said “the DSS has not brought Suswam before a court of law within a reasonable time.”

While the DSS has not formally disclosed the reason for Suswam’s arrest and detention, the group stated that it had become aware that the former governor’s detention is connected to a petition allegedly written by highly placed politicians in Benue State which bordered on Suswam’s alleged contact with Mr. Terwase Agwaza also know as Gana, a wanted fugitive.

He added that, Suswam is also being accused of sponsoring the incessant killings in Benue State.

The group noted that Suswam’s arrest and detention follow a pattern of “disrespect for constitutional rights and civil liberties of Nigerians by the security agencies in the country.

“We categorically join our voices with other well-meaning Nigerians to state that the action of the DSS threatens the very foundation on which democracy, Justice and fair play are hinged on as it attempts to silence opposition politicians.

“It is against this backdrop that we make the following calls on the DSS to immediately:

“Inform Dr. Suswam, and indeed the entire country, of the reasons for his arrest and detention as provided for by section 36 of the constitution.

“To grant him access to his lawyers as soon as possible as provided for by the constitution.

“To charge him before a court of competent jurisdiction as quickly as possible so he can defend himself of all the allegations levelled against him.

“In the alternative, to release him unconditionally,” the group demanded.