DSS releases 4 detained Benue Council Chairmen

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

The four Benue State local government chairmen who had been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since Monday, July 3, were released on Friday, July 7, in accordance with a Federal High Court order in Makurdi.

Veronica Gajir of Ushongo Local Government, Alfred Atera of Katsina-ala, James Oche of Ado, and Ubah Mike of Guma Local Government were detained by the DSS on Monday after accepting the security agency’s invitation.

Justice Abdu Dogo ruled on an ex-parte application brought by counsel to the chairmen, Joseph Oche, on Friday, ordering the DSS to release them on bail or appear in court on Monday to show cause why the four council Chairmen should not be released.

Counsel to the chairmen, Joseph Oche, confirmed the chairmen’s release, saying the DSS obeyed the court order the moment it was served on them.

The Chairmen, who had been detained without trial, had filed a fundamental rights suit against the DSS at the Federal High Court in Makurdi.