How Ortom spent 9 hours in EFCC custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday grilled the immediate past governor of Benue, Mr Samuel Ortom, for nine hours before he was later released.

Ortom arrived at the premises of the commission’s Zonal Headquarters, Makurdi, at 10 a.m. and left there at about 7 :00 p.m.

GistReel reported yesterday that Ortom was in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody for questioning.

The Makurdi office of EFCC had invited him following allegations of corruption and alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as a governor.

A source who disclosed his presence at EFCC said, “Former governor Ortom is currently at our Makurdi zonal office in Benue State. He arrived at about 10 a.m. this morning, and he’s still there now. He was invited over an ongoing investigation concerning alleged misappropriation of funds during his time in office.’’

Ortom also enjoined his then-appointees to make themselves available for questioning if invited saying “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.”

Reacting to the invitation, Ortom’s media aide, Mr Terver Akase, said that contrary to insinuations in some sections of the mass media, Ortom was not arrested but only honoured the commission’s invitation.

“Ortom was neither arrested nor detained at the EFCC Zonal Headquarters in Makurdi,“ Akase said.

According to him, the former governor has nothing to hide, adding that he would always be available for questioning by the anti-graft agency.

“Ortom has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship in the state,” Akase said.