Provost, Bursar docked for fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned Dr. Paul Ajah Onu and 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 four-count charge of conspiracy, abuse of office, fraudulent diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
The duo allegedly misappropriated over N100 million 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.
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 N100 million was illegally transferred from personnel emolument account on recommendation of the Bursar to other accounts between 2009 and 2012, with the approval of the Provost, contrary to the provisions of the institution’s 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 Ajah, pleaded with the court to consider the accused persons’ application for bail as their alleged offences are bail able.
The judge adjourned the case to May 8, 2013 for hearing on bail application and remanded the accused persons in prison custody.