The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited human rights activist and Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, for endorsement of his group’s petition against the embattled Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Mr. John Taiwo Adekolawole, over alleged gross misconducts.

The EFCC’s invitation hinged on the CHRSJ’s petition dated Monday June 22, 2020, in which he alleged that Adekolawole misappropriated some public funds of the institution through fictitious services and projects.

It further stated that the anti-graft bodies in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja should ensure that all the public funds illegally moved out of the Polytechnic treasury be returned to the institution's purse with proof of evidence.

The activist had earlier asked the embattled Rector to honourably step aside from office over the allegation leveled against him by the local Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Chairman, Mr. A. Masopa, before he was recently suspended by the Polytechnic’s Board.

According to the signed statement copies of which were recently made available to newsmen, it was stated that EFCC has taken over the matter.

CHRSJ then urged the Federal Ministry of Education to involve the Office of the Head of Service of Federation (OHSF) to set up an independent panel of inquiry to investigate official gross misconducts leveled against Dr. Adekolawole for possible disciplinary action.

The petition reads thus: “The Rector, Dr. J.T. Edaogbogun Adekolawole be suspended henceforth from office, till the conclusion of all the allegations of financial crimes and gross official misconducts leveled against him, before summary dismissal. Anti-graft bodies should conduct forensic audit into all the Federal Polytechnic Ede Account books from January 1, 2015 till June 30, 2020.

“EFCC and ICPC [Independent Corrupt Practices Commission] should investigate the salary account of Mrs. Olukemi Adekolawole from January 1, 2015 till June 30, 2020, in order to know the actual salaries collected by her as a result of illegal promotion and upgrading given to her by her husband, Dr. Adekolawole, the current Rector of the Polytechnic.

“Our investigation revealed that Mr. Adekolawole-led management team of the Polytechnic in collaboration with the Polytechnic Governing Council Chairman, hired ADMUHAM Travels and Tours to organize illegal retreats for few members of the Governing Council where the sum of N40 million was approved and withdrawn from the Polytechnic treasury in less than 24 hours as reflected in the two internal memo double dated February 12, 2020 with reference number:- FPE/R/CA/REC/26/375&376 respectively.

“Also, through internal Memo dated January 30, 2020 with reference number:- FPE/REC/PRO/308, the Rector approved illegal sum of N891,180 for air ticket, hotel accommodation and transport fare for the wedding ceremony of the younger brother of the Council Chairman in Sokoto State and the Rector approved the same Air ticket fare for his wife, Mrs. Adekolawole, and many more of financial scandals.”

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