[p]The former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning. The EFCC's Makurdi office issued an invitation to Ortom in relation to allegations of corruption and financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor.
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Ortom arrived at the Makurdi zonal office of the EFCC on Alor Gordon Street at 10 a.m. According to a source, he is currently at the EFCC office as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged funds mismanagement during his time in office.
The former governor has expressed his willingness to cooperate with anti-graft agencies and has encouraged his former appointees to do the same. He stated, "Anytime you are invited by the EFCC, don't be afraid to go, as for me I am not a coward to run away from EFCC, if they come for me I will follow them. I have nothing to fear, I don't have any investment in Europe all I have are in this state. If anyone accuses me of committing any crime let the person come and show me."
As of the time of this report, Ortom remains in the custody of the EFCC in Makurdi. No official statement has been provided by the EFCC regarding his visit.
