Why ex-Governor Suswam is still in detention after a month

The Department of State Security (DSS) has revealed that it is still holding the former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam in detention because it received a security report from Government of Benue, “alleging that the state would be ungovernable” with the presence of Suswam.

The revelation was made when DSS brought a fresh application on why Suswam was still being detained in its cell. The counter affidavit which was sworn to by Abdullahi Adamu, operative of DSS, is praying the court not to release Suswam because he is linked with the militant group that attacked Zaki Biam, Benue State.


But the ex-governor has also asked the court in the suit for N10bn compensation for unlawful incarceration and violation of his rights. In the suit, Suswam is seeking compensation for unlawful incarceration and violation of his rights.

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.”