The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Segun Bode Adedeji, over an alleged N3.2 million salary fraud.
Adedeji was docked before Justice E.G. Adekanmbi of the Edo State High Court on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent practices involving N3,285,396.
According to the EFCC, the prosecution followed intelligence gathered by operatives of its Benin Zonal Directorate, which allegedly revealed that the defendant was simultaneously receiving salaries from two government institutions.
The anti-graft agency alleged that while employed by the University of Benin, Adedeji was also drawing salaries from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin City, during the same period.
The EFCC described the arrangement as a fraudulent act that resulted in the unlawful receipt of public funds amounting to over N3.2 million.
At the court proceedings, the charges were read to the defendant, marking the commencement of his trial.
The commission said the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat payroll fraud, abuse of public office, and other financial crimes within government institutions.
Investigators believe the alleged dual salary payments violated public service regulations and constituted an abuse of the government payroll system.
The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as the EFCC seeks to prove the allegations against the defendant.
The anti-corruption agency has repeatedly warned public servants against engaging in payroll fraud, double employment, and other practices that result in the illegal diversion of public resources.
The arraignment underscores the EFCC’s continued crackdown on financial misconduct in public institutions as authorities intensify efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of government funds.
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