Group Knocks DSS Over Arrest of Col. AU Suleiman (rtd) Calls For His Immediate Release
By Aluta News
March 29, 2023
A civil society group, Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG), has called for the immediate release of Col.AU Suleiman, He was allegedly abducted by officers of the Department of State Services ( DSS ) Kogi State command,four days ago.
Comrade Akpanachi Jacob, National Coordinator of CCSGG has disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja
The group has alleged that Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is using the security apparatus in the state especially the Nigerian Navy and the DSS to gag perceive political opponents
Our attention have been drawn to the arrest and detention of Col AU Suleiman Rtd. Babanawa , this is coming at a time when we should be advancing the course for peace in the political arena in all the states of the federation given the heat presented by the just concluded 2023 general elections that have precipitated various protest which have remained consistent.
The group has described Col. Suleiman as a man of unquestionable character
According to the CSO his arrest have evoked mind boggling question amongst the civil populace within Kogi state and Nigeria as a nation,
Col. Suleiman popularly known as Babanawa has paid his dues in humanitarianism and this tantamount to undue humiliation by the state agents either by design of by default, Akpanachi said.
We are perturbed by the following scenario that surrounds his arrest
That the arrest was followed with immediate prosecution with much investigation.
That the said arrest was done and followed by a media display.
While these issues bothered the public it is important that we state here that it is seemingly more political even though we do not want to make categorical statement as we expect an outcome of a more effective investigation.
In the light of this we demand:
The immediate and unconditional release of Col AU Suleiman Babanawa pending a proper investigation on the subject matter.
That citizens of Kogi State are not convinced of this action as he has remained a man of good character thus a serious scrutiny of the process is thus demanded
We appeal for calm and peace amongst the people of kogi state and the family of Col. A.U. Suleiman as we anticipate a favorable response from the ongoing process and that the state political players ensue dialogue a best option for power play.
Also speaking Dr. Suleiman Barnabas, a son of the abducted colonel who represented the family at the press conference has demanded for the immediate release of his father
Barnabas has challenged the Nigeria army to get involve and unravel the false allegations by the DSS against one of their officer
He emphasized that the abduction of his father by the DSS is politically motivated.