NEWS
Benue: Ex-Gov Ortom Released By EFCC After Hours Of Detention
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after 10 hours of being in detention.
As previously reported by BIZTELLERS, Ortom willingly responded to the commission’s invitation on Tuesday morning at approximately 10:00am.
Accompanied by two of his former aides, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom arrived at the Makurdi zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) situated on Alor Gordon Street in the state capital.
Terver Akase, Ortom’s media aide, and Abraham Kwanhgu, Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, were observed accompanying him.
Ortom underwent thorough questioning by EFCC detectives regarding the financial management during his tenure as governor of Benue State. Outside the commission’s premises, an unnamed aide of Ortom assured journalists that there was no cause for alarm.
The aide emphasized that the questioning was a regular procedure and addressing inquiries about his eight-year administration would naturally take several hours.
He said “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.”
Recall that during a cabinet valedictory session held at the old banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, Samuel Ortom, the former governor, addressed his council members, urging them not to be fearful if they were ever summoned by the EFCC for questioning.
Ortom made it clear that he was not a coward and would not shy away from cooperating with the EFCC if they approached him.
“I want to assure all of you that if the EFCC comes for me, I will follow them without hesitation,” Ortom stated boldly. He reassured his cabinet members that he had no investments in Europe and that all his assets were within the state. Furthermore, he openly challenged anyone accusing him of any wrongdoing to come forward with evidence and prove their claims.
The presence of the former governor at the EFCC facility sparked significant reactions on social media, with many users applauding the anti-graft body for taking action and urging a thorough investigation into Ortom’s administration.
Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State expressed its appreciation for the former governor’s voluntary cooperation in responding to questions regarding his eight-year tenure in office.
Bemgba Iortyom, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, emphasized that Ortom willingly visited the EFCC’s Makurdi office in response to their invitation, and the party commended his conduct as an example of transparency and a clear conscience.
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
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The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
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The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
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Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….
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