EFCC grills Ortom over alleged misappropriation of Benue funds

After spending over 10 hours at the Makurdi office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, former Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has been released by the anti graft agency.

 

The Governor had Tuesday morning at about 10am reported at the Zonal Office of the Commission following an invitation from the office.

 

It was gathered that the former Governor was invited by the commission to answer to allegations relating to his eight years stewardship as governor of the state.

 

After spending the entire day at the Commission, the ex Governor was seen being driven out of the EFCC office in a Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, at about 7:55pm, accompanied by some friends and associates who had waited patiently at a nearby hotel for his release.

 

Though the former governor could not be reached for comments but a statement released shortly before his release Tuesday evening, by his media aide, Mr. Terver Akase indicated that he was not arrested by the anti graft agency.

 

Akase in the statement explained that “contrary to insinuations in some sections of the media, the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom today visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to honour the invitation of the commission.

 

“Chief Ortom was neither arrested nor detained at the EFCC Zonal Headquarters in Makurdi.

 

“The former Governor has repeatedly said that he is available to respond to inquiries by anti-graft agencies as he has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship of Benue State.”

Meanwhile, The acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulkarim Chukkol, on Tuesday, called for strong partnership and cooperation among law enforcement agencies across West Africa.

 

Chukkol made the call while declaring open a Peer Exchange Programme organised by the EFCC for Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office, at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja.

 

 

 

 

He noted that such an alliance will be instrumental in combating economic and financial crimes in the region.

 

He said: “This study tour holds immense importance as it offers the unique opportunity to engage in peer learning through the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts.

 

“I believe together we can contribute to strengthening the fight against economic and financial crimes and the promotion of the rule of law in our respective countries,” Chukkol said.

 

The EFCC boss stated that the study tour will create valuable insights that could help refine approaches and enhance the capabilities of the respective agencies.

 

He said: “We aim to foster long-term collaborations and establish enduring relationships that extend beyond the duration of this visit. There is no doubt that the benefit of this study will extend to both our agencies and our nations at large. As neighboring countries within the West African region, learning from each other’s successes and challenges can help us strengthen the foundation of our law enforcement systems and build a better future for our societies.”

 

 

Chukkol further said the peer exchange programme signifies a shared commitment to a world free from economic and financial crimes. “Let us all embrace this study tour as an opportunity to forge new connections, share knowledge and embark on a journey of mutual growth and progress,” he added.

 

In her remark, the Executive Director, EOCO, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, stressed the importance of collaboration and cooperation among nations and institutions in surmounting the challenges affecting the West-African sub-region.

 

She noted that such collaborative arrangement provides a platform for learning and sharing relevant experiences and expertise which are essential for combating crime from a law enforcement perspective.

 

She further called for collaboration among the agencies in tackling the menace of cybercrime which, according to her, has become a huge threat in Africa.

 

“With regards to the theme of the exchange programme, I wish to state that I will be particularly interested to know how our two institutions can collaborate to curb the emergence of cybercrime which in recent times has become a looming threat in our sub-region,” Addo-Danquah said.