Illegal arms: Suswam arraigned, gets N5m bail
The Federal Government yesterday arraigned a former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, on fresh allegations of illegal possession of firearms.
In the three-count charge, Suswam was alleged to have been found in possession of one Glock pistol, one mini-rifle, and one AK-47 rifle, all without lawful authority in February 2017 at Dunes Investment and Properties Ltd, No. 44 Aguiyi lronsi Way, Maitama, Abuja,
Suswam was also alleged to have been found in possession of live ammunition. He was further alleged to have converted 25 designer wristwatches worth several millions of naira, which he allegedly derived from corruption. The prosecution claimed that the exhibits were concealed in his car.
The charges were brought under Section 3 of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 27(1) (a)(1) and Section 15(1)(a)(ii) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
Suswam however pleaded not guilty. Justice Babatunde Quadri granted him bail in the sum of N5m and one surety in like sum. The former governor, who is also facing two different charges bordering on money laundering and diversion of SURE-P funds, has been held in the facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 19. The case was adjourned to October 24 for hearing.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the recent upsurge of violence in Plateau State. The body’s National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, in a chat with our correspondent yesterday, said the violence must be condemned by all wellmeaning Nigerians.
Ngelzarma dissociated MACBAN from a faceless group with the name ‘Fulani Nationality Movement’ (FUNAM), which came up with a press release which he said was aimed at spreading discord between the Fulani and other Nigerians.
“We make bold to say that to the best of our knowledge there is no such association in Nigeria. It was therefore hastily crafted to cash in on the unfortunate events in Jos in order to fuel the crisis further. Government should investigate this issue, find out the purveyors of such hate speech and prosecute them for their crimes against the Nigerian people,” Ngelzarma said.
Ngelzarma urged the government to be fair and just to all in handling the crisis and provide necessary support and assistance to victims to reduce their suffering. According to him, MACBAN regrets that some unpatriotic citizens were bent on destroying efforts to build peace in the state.