The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested former Governor of
Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.
The arrest was made after the Service said it uncovered a large cache of
arms and ammunition from a property allegedly belonging to the former
governor at number 44 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama-Abuja.
According to a statement by the DSS spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, the operation
was informed by intelligence that some incriminating items were stashed in
the boots of cars parked at the property.
The DSS said after carrying out a raid on the property in the presence of
two private security officers employed by the company, the following items
were recovered:
A glock pistol with two magazines and a total of 29 rounds of ammunition;
A mini-uzi with two magazines containing 10 rounds and four rounds
respectively;
Forty-two extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack and one Ak-47.
The search also revealed:
Twenty-one Certificates of Occupancy and one Offer of Statutory Right of
Occupancy;
Twenty-three luxury designer watches; and Forty-five keys to various
exotic cars.
The DSS warned politicians to desist from making inciting comments that
may heat up the system.
“It is in the light of this latest development that the Service wishes to
sound a note of warning to persons and groups that it will no longer
tolerate any acts of lawlessness by those who ought to be law abiding and
responsible citizens.
“The Service has also observed with total dismay, the inciting utterances
of some political actors whose activities heat-up the polity.
“It also wishes to express its disappointment with these politicians who
in their desperation, are engaged in hate speeches and sponsor of radio
campaign jingles when the electoral umpire has not authorised such
campaigns in line with the Electoral Act.
“More worrisome is the unpatriotic involvement of some media outfits in
these divisive tendencies which negate their constitutional role as the
fourth estate of the realm.
“In line with its statutory mandate of maintaining the peace and internal
security of the country, the Service hereby restates its commitment to go
after anyone no matter how highly placed. who engages in acts capable of
causing the breach of peace in the country,” the statement read.