A High Court in Benue State has issued an injunction restraining the state government from proceeding with its inquiry into the administration of former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom.
The government had recently established a commission of inquiry to investigate the financial activities of the Benue State Government during Ortom’s tenure from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023.
The court order prohibits the panel from convening pending the resolution of a motion filed by former Governor Samuel Ortom. Justice T. T. Asua granted the order in response to a motion ex-parte seeking to prohibit the commission from taking any action listed in the terms of reference outlined by the Benue State Gazette No. 17, Vol. 49 of February 27, 2024, as authorized by the Governor.
In presenting the case, counsel to Chief Ortom, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, argued that the Auditor General, in accordance with the constitution, had already conducted investigations into the state’s finances and submitted reports to the State House of Assembly. Maduabuchi contended that all matters listed in the terms of reference for the commission had been addressed by the Auditor General and the State Assembly, rendering the commission redundant.
Justice T. T. Asua granted the motion, acknowledging the applicant’s vested interest in the matter. The court further scheduled a hearing for the motion on notice within 14 days and restrained the commission from proceeding with its inquiries until the motion on notice is resolved.