The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has strongly dismissed allegations of ₦391 million fraud leveled against its management in a recent Sahara Reporters investigation, describing the report as inaccurate, unverified, and misleading.
The Sahara Reporters story, published on March 27, 2026, claimed that a police investigation had indicted the institute’s Director-General/CEO, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, for unauthorized and fraudulent expenditure of approximately ₦391.6 million from the 2022 budget. The report alleged irregularities including phantom travels, inflated costs, “kick-and-share” practices, and that the case was allegedly dropped following high-level interventions.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit, NITR defended Dr. Ajakaiye and the management, insisting that all financial and administrative procedures are conducted in strict compliance with established government regulations.
Acting Head of Public Relations, Mrs. Malvis O. Ogenyi, rejected claims that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) was manipulated. She noted that the platform is subject to multi-layered controls by relevant government institutions, making unauthorized interference highly improbable.
The institute said the reported ₦391 million fraud allegation was taken out of context and misrepresented. It stressed that its financial operations are routinely scrutinized by oversight agencies, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Office of the Auditor-General.
NITR also dismissed claims linking its Director-General to any criminal activity, stating that no court has found Dr. Ajakaiye guilty of financial misconduct. It clarified that a referenced police case was unrelated to financial matters and was dismissed for lack of merit.
On allegations of leadership irregularities, the institute described them as administrative issues that emerged during a restructuring process, adding that all actions taken were aimed at ensuring institutional stability.
The institute further described claims of phantom travel expenses, inflated fuel costs, and alleged “kick-and-share” practices as speculative and based on anonymous sources. It reiterated that its financial records undergo both internal and external audits.
NITR also refuted allegations of staff victimization, union interference, identity theft, and procurement breaches, labeling them as baseless and defamatory. According to the institute, staff postings and payments are carried out in line with civil service rules.
The institute faulted the Sahara Reporters piece for relying on unnamed sources and failing to seek its response before publication, describing such practices as undermining fair journalism.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, NITR invited stakeholders and members of the media to visit its facilities and engage directly with its leadership. It urged the public to disregard unverified claims and remain confident in its mandate to combat trypanosomiasis and promote public health.
