The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Segun Bode Adedeji, before an Edo State High Court over an alleged salary fraud involving ₦3.2 million.
Adedeji was brought before Justice E.G. Adekanmbi on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and the alleged unlawful receipt of salaries from two federal government institutions simultaneously.
According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that the defendant, while employed by the University of Benin, allegedly continued to receive salaries from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, resulting in the payment of public funds amounting to ₦3,285,396.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the actions violated public service regulations and constituted a fraudulent scheme that led to financial losses for the government.
During the court proceedings, the charges were read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, counsel for the EFCC requested a date for the commencement of trial, while the defence counsel urged the court to grant the defendant bail pending the hearing of the case.
Justice Adekanmbi subsequently granted bail to the defendant on conditions set by the court and adjourned the matter to a later date for trial.
The EFCC stated that the prosecution forms part of its ongoing efforts to tackle payroll fraud and other financial crimes within public institutions across the country.
The case is expected to continue when the court reconvenes for the commencement of trial.
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