The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) in Kaduna has become the centre of a growing controversy following allegations of financial misconduct, administrative irregularities and attempts to dismiss a senior staff member who reportedly raised concerns over the handling of public funds.
According to leaked internal documents, the dispute involves claims of project fund diversion, abuse of administrative procedures and an alleged campaign against a senior research officer, Dr. Rolayo T. Emmanuel.
The allegations centre on the institute’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, who is accused of directing that funds allocated for the 2024 Disease Surveillance and Control Project be transferred into a commercial bank account rather than processed through the approved government financial system.
The account is alleged to be linked to individuals associated with the institute’s management, including Acting Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. B.U. Michael, and Haruna Saidu.
Dr. Emmanuel, who previously served as Assistant Director of Research and Head of the National AU-PATTEC project office, reportedly opposed the directive, arguing that transferring public funds into private accounts would violate public service regulations and financial management laws.
The report alleges that after refusing to approve the release of the funds, Dr. Emmanuel became the target of disciplinary actions intended to remove her from the institution.
Internal documents reportedly show a series of administrative decisions that included her transfer to the institute’s North-East Zonal Office in Gombe before she was later instructed to remain in Kaduna following an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Despite that directive, another internal communication allegedly sought confirmation that she had failed to report to her assigned duty station, a move critics claim was intended to justify disciplinary measures and the suspension of her salary.
Sources also alleged that security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to prevent her from entering the institute before she was formally notified of any restriction.
Further allegations accuse the Director-General of manipulating an internal investigative report by excluding portions of Dr. Emmanuel’s defence and altering witness accounts before forwarding the document to supervising government agencies.
The report also claims that the altered document delayed interventions from oversight institutions, including the Public Complaints Commission and the National Human Rights Commission.
Some staff members reportedly expressed concerns over the working environment within the institute, alleging intimidation, victimisation and fear among employees as investigations continue.
Civil society groups and concerned staff have called on the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to suspend the Director-General pending an independent investigation into the allegations.
They also urged the ICPC to provide protection for Dr. Emmanuel as a whistleblower and investigate claims relating to the alleged diversion of public funds and workplace intimidation.
In addition, the Minister of Women Affairs has been asked to intervene over allegations of harassment and unfair treatment involving the senior female official.
When contacted for a response, officials of the institute declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation by the ICPC, while attempts to obtain a response from the Director-General were unsuccessful.
