Provost and Bursar of Federal College
of Agriculture Docked for Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC on Monday May 6, 2013 arraigned Dr. Paul Ajah Onu, and Mr.
Samuel Atoi, former Provost and Bursar respectively, of the Federal College of
Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State before Justice Maureen Adaobi Onyetenu of
the Federal High Court Abakaliki on a 4-count charge of conspiracy, abuse of
office, fraudulent diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
The duo allegedly misappropriated over
one hundred million naira of the school’s funds. Their arrest, investigation
and subsequent arraignment followed a petition by members of the institution’s
Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institute
and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIA). The union had alleged that the provost,
with the help of some staff of the College, transferred excess funds from the
staff personnel emolument account to other illegal accounts. The Provost was also
alleged to have illegally awarded salaries and other fraudulent advances to himself;
employed his wife and placed her on a level far above her qualification and
experience.
Investigations by the EFCC revealed how
over one hundred million naira was illegally transferred from personnel
emolument account on recommendation of the Bursar to other accounts between
2009 and 2012 with the approved by the Provost, contrary to the provisions of
the Financial Regulation. For instance, N100,000,000 meant for the construction
of a farm guest house was paid into the account of FECAI Ventures ( a business
unit of the college under the control of the provost). The fund was
progressively depleted without the money being used for what it was intended.
When the charges were read to the
accused persons, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution counsel, J.A. Ojogbane
asked the judge to set a date for trial but J.O Asonuka, counsel to Dr. Ajah
pleaded with the court to consider the accused persons’ application for bail as
their alleged offence are bail able.
The judge adjourned the case to
Wednesday May 8, 2013 for hearing on bail application and remanded the accused
persons in prison custody.
Wilson
Uwujaren
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
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