Fresh counter affidavit stalls Suswam’s suit

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja Hearing in the N10b fundamental human right suit by former b Benue State governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam against the Department of State Service (DSS) was yesterday stalled by a fresh application by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Suswam has been in the custody of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) since 25 February. When the suit was mentioned Tuesday before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court Abuja, applicant’s counsel Adedayo Adedeji informed the court that the respondent was served with the motion on notice on April 19. “However, this morning at about 9.45 am in the court I was served with counter affidavit and a written address in opposition to the motion,” he said. We want to exercise right of reply and in the circumstance ask for short adjournment. Respondent counsel, Terhemba Agbe said they have no objection to the prayer for an adjournment. He did not comment on the application he filed but he admitted that the applicant was served with it in the court room. The counter affidavit in question sworn to by Abdullahi Adamu an operatives of DSS is praying the court not to release Suswam because he is linked with the militant group that attacked Zaki Biam, Benue state. DSS also stated that a security report from Benue state government alleged that the state will be ungovernable if Suswam is released.