Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Benin Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a staff member of the University of Benin, Segun Bode Adedeji, before Justice E. G. Adekanmbi of the Edo State High Court on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent activities involving N3,285,396.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to EFCC, the defendant’s arraignment followed intelligence reports that allegedly revealed he was simultaneously receiving salaries from both the University of Benin and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.
The anti-graft agency said the discovery formed the basis of its investigation, which linked the suspect to double employment and salary collection from two public institutions at the same time, an act it described as fraudulent.
The commission told the court that the alleged conduct contravenes provisions of laws guiding public service ethics and financial accountability. EFCC further noted that the sum involved amounted to N3,285,396 (Three Million, Two Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira).
Adedeji was arraigned before the court and the charges were read to him, to which he pleaded not guilty. Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a date for trial while the defence made bail applications on his behalf.
The court is expected to rule on bail conditions and proceed with trial on a later date. The EFCC said it would present evidence to substantiate its claims during proceedings.
