EFCC releases Ortom after 10 hours in custody

Ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has been released from custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor had granted the invitation of the commission around 10:00am on Tuesday

He drove into the Makurdi zonal office of the agency, which is located at Alor Gordon street in the state capital, accompanied by two of his former IDES.

The former governor’s media aide, Terver Akase, and Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, Abraham Kwanhgu, were sighted with 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 were 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.

During his cabinet valedictory session held at the old banquet hall of Government House, Makurdi, Ortom had urged his council members not to entertain any fear whenever the EFCC invites them for questioning.

Ortom had told his cabinet members 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.