EXCLUSIVE: EFCC Probes Ex-Enugu SEDI Boss, Nwajiagu Over Misappropriation of About N500 Million

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Sunday, May 29th, 2016

By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has commenced investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over 500 million naira by former Director/chief executive officer (CEO) of Science Equipment Development Institute SEDI, Akwuke, Enugu, Professor Christian Nwanjiagu.

AFRICAN EXAMINER reliably gathered that the probe followed series of petition forwarded to the anti-graft agency by some senior staff of the institute.

SEDI, is an agency under the federal ministry of science and Technology, with a mandate to develop and produce scientific equipment and their production systems, as well as ceding of such technologies to small and medium scale industries, SMEs in Nigeria.

A top staff of the agency who craved anonymity while speaking with our correspondent, alleged that the ex- SEDI boss, looted the establishment’s treasury with impunity while in office.

According to the source, Professor Nwajiagu, is now answering questions from the EFCC on how he awarded some fictitious contracts to the tune of over 400 million naira, including other shoddy transactions that have been discovered in the various departments of the organization, especially the account section.

Among such illegal contracts, was the procurement of materials for production which was never executed, yet it was paid for, adding that the anti-graft agency is equally probing the purchase of several parcels of land in Enugu with SEDI’s fund by the former Director.

It was further gathered that some top management officials of the Institute, were some time ago, invited to the EFCC headquarters, in Abuja for some clarification regarding the petition against Nwajiagu, who is also a pastor in one of the Pentecostal churches.

The ex- SEDI helmsman, who served in the establishment between 2003- 2012 was a former staff of the Enugu state university of science and Technology, (ESUT) Enugu, before his appointment.

“I must tell you that Professor Nwajiagu, never believed in due process in doing anything while in office, including employment, but the good news is that the day of reckoning has come for him” the source stated.