The Honourable Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission in Benue State, James Oche Ogaba, on March 19, 2025, held ten case conferences, delivering verdicts to promote administrative justice.
One of the cases before the Honourable Commissioner involved a complaint by the Ezza Community in Ado Local Government, alleging that Agbo Samuel and Michael Ojah had conspired to destroy their economic trees and engaged in several criminal activities aimed at displacing them.
Oche ruled that the Ezza people were indigenes of Ado, having lived there for many years. However, he adjourned the case to allow the Commission to study the numerous documents submitted by the Respondent. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of a girl who allegedly died as a result of rape committed by some members of the Respondent’s group.
In another complaint lodged by IGJ Ltd against the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, the complainant alleged that the FMC had failed to follow the Public Procurement Act when auctioning some property items, despite the company participating in the bidding.
The Medical Director explained that the auction had been canceled in December 2025 following advice from the Federal Ministry of Works due to procedural errors.
He further clarified that no letter of award was given to any firm, including the complainant. Consequently, Hon. Oche advised that in future auctions, the PCC should be invited to observe, ensuring a fair and transparent process, with the complainant also allowed to participate.
A case of job racketeering was also brought before the Honourable Commissioner by Anthony Inalegwu and six others against Loretta Nungwa Alfa of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
The complainants alleged that the Respondent collected N2,500,000 from them, promising employment, but failed to deliver and only refunded part of the money, leaving an outstanding balance of N1,800,000.
After hearing testimonies, Hon. Oche recommended that a payment schedule be created, requiring the Respondent to refund the balance within six months, starting from June 2025.
Commissioner Oche also mediated complaints filed separately by Sule James and 62 others against the Benue State Pension Commission, alleging non-payment of their pensions and gratuities for many years.
The Respondent explained that the Government had begun paying some pension arrears since June 2023 and was exploring ways to settle all claims. Oche urged the Government to intensify efforts to fully pay the complainants.
The case of Jessy Orokpo against Hon. Oko Michael E. was also addressed. Orokpo alleged that the former Chairman of Obi Local Government had manipulated payments, giving him only N1,000,000 instead of N1,850,000, which was his outstanding contract payment for a project awarded in 2009. After considering testimonies, and with the complainant promising to present documentary evidence, the Honourable Commissioner adjourned the case for further deliberation.
In another case, Mercy K. Shagba alleged that her tenant, Terfa Iorember, had refused to pay his N35,000 rent. Although the Respondent promised to settle the debt, the Honourable Commissioner decided to pay the rent on his behalf.
For the complaint concerning the non-reinstatement of four Obi Local Government staff despite a court ruling in their favor in 2011, three co-respondents failed to appear. The Honourable Commissioner rescheduled the conference for another date.
Two cases were also brought against Royal Fountain International School regarding non-payment of salaries to the complainants. As the Respondent failed to appear, Hon. Oche directed that they be re-invited.
A key highlight of the proceedings was the presentation of N70,000 to a loan firm, the Trustworthy Foundation, which had been recovered from one of its debtors.
Oche commended the staff of the Commission for their dedication and contributions to the swift resolution of complaints, which led to the successes recorded. He further assured them that the Commission would continue to prioritize their welfare.
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