The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a staff member of the University of Benin, Segun Bode Adedeji, before an Edo State High Court over an alleged N3.28 million salary fraud.
Adedeji was brought 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’s arraignment followed intelligence gathered by operatives of the commission, which allegedly revealed that while employed by the University of Benin, he was simultaneously receiving salaries from the National Orthopaedic Hospital Benin.
The EFCC alleged that Adedeji unlawfully drew salaries from both institutions at the same time, resulting in financial losses amounting to over N3.2 million.
The commission said the alleged double salary payments were uncovered during its investigations, prompting the filing of charges against the university employee.
At the arraignment, the charges were read to the defendant before the court.
The case forms part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle payroll fraud, corruption and other financial crimes within public institutions.
Justice Adekanmbi subsequently adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that the prosecution is expected to present evidence aimed at establishing the allegations against the defendant when the trial resumes.
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