Former Benue governor arrested by DSS, linked with popular militia leader

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– Former Benue governor, Gabriel Suswam is still in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS)

– He was arrested for storing up arms and ammunition

– He has now been linked to a militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana)

A report by The Nation indicates that the DSS is now probing former Benue state governor, Gabriel Suswam links to a militia leader in the state.

Ex-governor Suswam was arrested by the DSS on Sunday, February 26

The militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana) is said to have three local government areas in his grip namely; Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum.

According to the report, the DSS is also investigating the ex-governor for allegedly building an armoury in his mansion, which is under construction in Makurdi.

Among those building the mansion, which is said to be close to the ministry of agriculture in the state capital, are three Israelis.

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The source quoted in the report said: “The DSS is looking into the activities of a militia leader in Benue State, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana) whose group have been terrorising innocent villagers.

“From security reports, the gang leader has held hostage three local governments – Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum. His group is running a mini-government in the affected local councils with locals paying obeisance, remitting funds and now even taking disputes to the group’s court.

“Although Akwazza initially embraced the amnesty programme of the state government, he later reneged and returned to his base in mountainous areas. It is from there that his boys have been killing and maiming innocent citizens.

“The situation in Benue, especially in the three local governments, is getting closer to how Boko Haram started and security agencies cannot sit idle without looking at all clues.”

Some indigenes of Benue have alleged that there is a link between Suswam and Akwazza. “At a point, we got reports that Akwazza boys were providing security for the former governor instead of the Police and the DSS,” the source said.

Besides, it was alleged that the former governor was in touch with Akwazza even after the militia leader had been declared wanted.

“Detectives are probing whether

Suswam facilitated an interview for Akwazza with a television station. There are so many angles to this case,” he said.

Detectives are said to have discovered that the militia leader was heavily armed during the 2015 general elections by some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“But after the poll, the group became unbearable and started waging guerilla attacks on villagers in Benue State.

“This is why we invited the ex-governor to explain his own side. We have not said Suswam is guilty. We are holding him to assist our investigation,” the source said.

Suswam has been in detention for five days. He was trying to meet bail terms as at press time. He has been allowed access to his wife and counsel to prepare his defence under caution.

According to a security source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to talk to the media, if Suswam is found to be innocent, the DSS will free him.

The DSS detained Suswam on Sunday, February 26 over the recovery of some guns, ammunition, and 45 keys of “exotic” cars from two vehicles linked with him.

It also said 21 Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) and 23 designer watches were discovered in the vehicles – a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH), and a Masarati 4.7 (BWR 207 AJ).

The weapons recovered from the two vehicles are

(i) Glock pistol with two (2) magazines and a total of Twenty-Nine (29) rounds of ammunition

(ii) Mini-Uzi with two (2) magazines containing 10 rounds and 4 rounds respectively

(iii) Forty-two (42) extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack and

(iv) One (1) AK-47

Another source said: “The DSS has not molested him. His wife brought meals for him on Tuesday. As soon as he meets bail terms, we will release him.”

READ ALSO: Nigerians react to DSS arrest of Babatunde Gbadamosi

Meanwhile, the DSS has warned politicians against making hate speech and inciting comments during elections.

The agency stated that its disappointment at politicians who have already started election campaign despite the fact that election is not near yet.

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