The State High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, has dismissed a case brought by former Governor Samuel Ortom challenging the probe panel set up by the current administration to investigate his eight-year tenure. The panel was established in February 2024 to examine the management of state finances and assets during Ortom’s administration.
Ortom had argued that the probe was unnecessary, as his administration’s finances had already been audited and submitted to the Benue State House of Assembly. He also claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was already investigating the same issues, making the probe panel redundant.
The court’s decision comes after Ortom’s application to appeal an earlier ruling was heard yesterday. The former governor had challenged the competence of the Benue State Government, the Attorney General, and members of the Commission of Inquiry to investigate his administration’s finances.
The dismissal of the case paves the way for the probe panel to continue its investigation into Ortom’s administration. The outcome of the probe is expected to be made public in due course.
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