Institute Denies N391m Fraud Allegation

The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has refuted claims of financial misconduct involving N391 million.

NITR described the report by an online newspaper (Not LEADERSHIP Weekend) as inaccurate, unverified and misleading.

In a statement from its Public Relations Unit, the institute defended its director-general/ CEO, Dr Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye and the management team, stating that all financial and administrative processes strictly adhere to government regulations.

The acting head of Public Relations, Mrs Malvis Ogenyi, denied the allegations that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) was manipulated.

She explained that the system is tightly controlled by multiple government institutions, making unauthorized interference unlikely.

NITR maintained that the reported N391 million fraud claim was taken out of context and misrepresented.

The statement emphasised that its financial activities are routinely monitored by oversight bodies, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General.

The institute also dismissed claims linking its chief executive to any criminal activity, noting that no court has found Dr Ajakaiye guilty of financial misconduct.

It clarified that a referenced police case was unrelated to financial issues and was ultimately dismissed by the court for lack of merit.

On allegations of leadership irregularities, NITR described them as administrative issues that arose during a restructuring phase.

It stated that all actions taken were intended to ensure stability and continuity within the institution.