Suswam withdraws N10bn suit against DSS

Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue state, on Wednesday withdrew a fundamental human rights suit he filed against the Department of State Services (DSS).

Suswam, who was seeking an order for his unconditional release from the custody of the DSS, prayed the court to award him N10 billion as compensation for “violation of his rights”.

The former governor is standing trial alongside Omadachi Oklobia, a former commissioner in Benue, for alleged money laundering and breach of public trust.

The duo have been accused of diverting N3.1 billion belonging to Benue.

But at the court, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Suswam, told Gabriel Kolawole, the judge that they did not have the intention of continuing the suit since the former governor had been released.

Daudu explained that Suswam was released on health grounds and he would need to have good health to stand trial.

“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,” the lawyer told the court.

“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.”

Terhemba Agbe, counsel to DSS, did not object to the application.

On this note, Kolawole, the judge, struck out the suit.