The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom from its custody.
The Informant247 had earlier reported that Samuel Ortom was in the Makurdi custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Ortom, who arrived at the Makurdi zonal office of the anti-graft agency, located at Alor Gordon Street, at 10 a.m, was reported to have been invited by the agency to give details about the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as an official.
The former governor’s media aide, Terver Akase, and Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, Abraham Kwanhgu, were said to have escorted him.
Detectives grilled Ortom over the financial expenditure of Benue under him.
One of his aides, who didn’t want his name mentioned, told journalists outside the commission’s building that there was no cause for alarm.
“It’s a normal routine. And you don’t expect him to just be through in a jiffy – answering questions about his eight years administration will surely take some hours. But, he will soon be done,” the aide said.
Ortom, while delivering a speech during his cabinet valedictory session held at the old banquet hall, Makurdi, had told his council members not to panic whenever the anti-graft agency invites them for questioning, telling them that he is not a coward to run away from the EFCC.
“Anytime you are invited by EFCC, don’t be afraid to go, as for me I’m not a coward to run away from EFCC, if they come for me I will follow them.
“I don’t have any investment in Europe all I have are in this state. If I have committed any crime let the person come and show me,” he had said.
Meanwhile, the former governor’s presence at the EFCC facility stirred lots of reaction on the social media space with most users hailing the anti-graft body for their action and urging it to ensure proper investigation of Ortom’s administration.