Ortom Denounces N139.8bn Probe as Political Witch-Hunt

Samuel Ortom, the former governor of Benue State from 2015 to 2023, has dismissed the N139.8 billion probe initiated by the current governor, Hyacinth Alia, as a politically motivated witch-hunt. Ortom's statement, issued through his media aide Terver Akas, responds to a report submitted by a commission of inquiry chaired by retired Justice Jubril Idrisu, which alleged financial irregularities during Ortom's administration.

The commission's findings revealed an unaccounted balance of N139.8 billion from a total revenue of N826.5 billion between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023. Ortom argues that the investigation lacks legal validity and has been challenged in court.

He claims the probe is designed to indict him politically and that the current administration is engaging in reckless actions. The ongoing legal proceedings regarding the legitimacy of the commission are set to be heard on June 29, 2026, as Ortom seeks to challenge the investigation's constitutionality.