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Oscar Okhifo
A staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Segun Bode Adedeji, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before an Edo State High Court over allegations that he fraudulently earned salaries from two federal institutions simultaneously, resulting in a loss of more than N3.2 million to the government.
Adedeji was arraigned before Justice E. G. Adekanmbi on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent practices involving N3,285,396.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly received salaries from two government institutions simultaneously while employed by the University of Benin.
The EFCC said the arraignment followed intelligence gathering by operatives of the Commission, which uncovered the alleged fraud.
In a statement, the Commission alleged that Adedeji engaged in a double-salary scheme, stating that, “as a staff of the University of Benin, he was also drawing salaries from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin City, at the same time.”
The anti-graft agency said the practice resulted in the unlawful receipt of public funds amounting to N3,285,396, leading to the four-count charge filed against him.
When the charges were read to him in court, Adedeji pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel requested a trial date, while the defence applied for bail on liberal terms.
Justice E. G. Adekanmbi granted the defendant bail after he pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge and adjourned the case for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC said the prosecution underscores its determination to tackle payroll fraud and other forms of financial misconduct in public institutions, warning that abuse of government payroll systems undermines accountability and public trust.
