The former governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam, has withdrawn the
fundamental human rights suit he instituted against the Department of State
Services (DSS), seeking an order of unconditional release from detention.
Suswam had also asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to order
the DSS to award him N10 billion as compensation for unlawful incarceration and
violation of his rights.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, counsel to Suswam, Mr Joseph
Daudu (SAN), told the court that his client had no further intention of
continuing the suit.
Daudu maintained that although Suswam’s doctor had placed him on strict
bed rest, he reluctantly released him to appear in court to validate his claim
of ill health.
“The applicant was just released on Sunday after over 70 days in
detention and he visited his consultant cardiologist and was given a document
showing that he should be on strict bed rest.
“In view of the fact that he was released based on his health, he needs
time to get his health back to be able to stand trial.
“We, however, apply to withdraw the application since he has been
released,” Daudu said.
State counsel, Mr Terhemba Agbe, said the DSS was not opposed to the
application since an applicant had a right to proceed with an application or to
withdraw it.
In a short ruling, Justice Gabriel Kolawale, said that based on the oral
application made by Suswam’s counsel to withdraw the suit, the application was
granted and he accordingly, struck out the suit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Suswam had been in DSS
custody since Feb. 25 over allegation of possession of firearm found inside the
boot of his car.
The DSS had prayed the court not to release Suswam owing to his alleged
connection to the militant group that attacked Zaki Biam, a town in Benue.
The DSS also stated that security report from Benue government alleged
that the state would be ungovernable if Suswam was released.
The court however released the former governor on May 7, on self
recognition.
NAN reports that Suswam and his former commissioner for finance, Mr
Omadachi Oklobia are standing trial for allegedly diverting about N3.1 billion
belonging to the government of Benue.
They are also being tried for alleged money laundering and breach of
public trust while in office.
NAN further reports that the Federal Government had on Jan. 25, asked the
court to adjourn sine die, fresh N7 billion criminal charges filed against
Suswam by the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
0 Comments