COURT ORDERS DSS TO RELEASE OCHE, GAJIR, BENUE LG CHAIRMEN
7th July, 2023
The Federal High Court in Makurdi has issued an order directing the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to release the four local government chairmen who have been detained in Benue State. The Presiding Judge, Justice Abdu Dogo, granted the order while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by counsel to the chairmen, Joseph Oche.
Veronica Gajir (Ushongo), Alfred Atera (Katsina-ala), James Oche (Ado), and Mike Usah (Guma) have been in detention since responding to an invitation from the DSS earlier this week, with the reasons for their detention yet to be disclosed.
As per the court’s order, the chairmen are to be released on bail effective immediately. Failure to comply with the order would require the DSS to present justifiable cause on Monday, July 10th, 2023. However, the chairmen will not be released pending the application for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.
Justice Dogo also directed that the Motion Exparte, along with the supporting affidavit and written address, be served on the DSS on July 7th, 2023. The court granted the DSS until 12 noon on Monday, July 10th, 2023, to file and serve their response or counter affidavit opposing the release of the chairmen on bail.
The court’s hearing on Monday, July 10th, 2023, at 2 pm will serve as an opportunity for the DSS to present justifiable reasons why the four local government chairmen should not be granted bail.
The prolonged detention of the four local government chairmen without trial in court has generated widespread condemnation from analysts within and outside Benue State. This court order brings hope for the release of the chairmen and the potential resolution of their legal situation.
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