KEY POINTS
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Former Benue Chief Judge Adam Ochume Onum died on November 5, 2026.
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He became the first Idoma person to serve as Benue Chief Judge in December 2017.
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Governor Alia praised his judicial service and contributions to the state’s legal institutions.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed sadness over the death of the state’s former Chief Judge, Justice Adam Ochume Onum, who died on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The governor described the death of the retired judicial officer as a major loss to Benue State and the Nigerian judiciary, praising his contributions to the administration of justice and the development of the state’s legal institutions.
Alia conveyed his condolences in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in which he paid tribute to the late judge’s years of service on the bench.
Onum Made History as First Idoma Chief Judge
The governor recalled that Justice Onum made history in December 2017 when he became the first person of Idoma extraction to occupy the office of Chief Judge of Benue State since the state’s creation in 1976.
Alia described the appointment as a significant milestone in Benue’s history, noting that the late judge’s career was marked by integrity, courage and commitment to justice.
He also described Onum as a distinguished legal practitioner and judicial officer whose contributions helped strengthen the state’s legal and judicial institutions.
Governor Highlights Contributions to Public Service
According to the statement, Justice Onum also served on state commissions and national election petition tribunals, demonstrating his commitment to public service beyond his judicial responsibilities.
The governor said the former Chief Judge’s work in these institutions would remain an important part of Benue State’s history.
Alia extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the Idoma people, the Benue State Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and residents of the state.
He prayed that God would give the bereaved family and all those affected by the loss the strength to overcome the tragedy.
The governor also prayed for the repose of Onum’s soul, adding that his legacy of service and contributions to the development of Benue State would be remembered.
