Just one year in office, EFCC probes Gov Ortom over N4.29bn transfer

Just weeks after marking his one year in office, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State is being investigated by the EFCC, in connection with a N4.29 billion crime.

The governor is alleged to have transferred state’s cash amounting to N4.29 billion from banks to unknown recipients.

Based on three suits filed by insiders in Benue State government, the EFCC is questioning some persons close to the government in relation to the cash transfers.

According a top official of the commission, two petitions were filed against the governor and some top officials of the administration, and the agency has commenced investigation into the matter, despite the fact that the governor is covered by immunity while in office.

Read also: Diezani polls bribe: EFCC grills Amb Adamu, detains Ngilari

Some of those named in the petitions as arrowheads of the alleged scam are members of the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly.

The official said only those not covered by immunity were being interrogated in connection with the cash movement, adding that the outcome of the commission’s probe would soon be made public.

But reacting, Governor Ortom, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, rebuffed the allegation, saying it was not only false but also an act of mischief and ignorance by the authors of the petitions.

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