Delta Maritime Polytechnic Officials Move to Block EFCC Investigation
Senior officials of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, who are facing corruption allegations, are allegedly seeking a court injunction to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from continuing its investigation.
The officials, including the suspended Rector, Professor James Okoro; Registrar Churchill Ufuoma Ighovojah; Bursar Ogodobiri Jonatus; and former Head of the Salary Unit, Okpegho Dora, were earlier suspended by the institution’s governing council following a petition by a lecturer, Engineer Ologe Solomon Ochuko.
The governing council, after conducting its own internal review, found the officials culpable but controversially pardoned them, citing their status as first-time offenders. The decision drew widespread criticism from staff who saw it as an attempt to downplay or suppress the seriousness of the allegations.
Unsatisfied with the outcome, Mr Ochuko escalated the matter to the EFCC through his legal counsel. The anti-graft agency subsequently detained the officials in July and later released them on bail.
Sources now allege that some of the accused have refused to honour subsequent EFCC invitations and are instead preparing to approach the court in a bid to halt the investigation. Among them are Akpore Lucky Oghenerovwe and Engineer Erebugha Abraham, both reportedly named in the EFCC’s case files but allegedly unwilling to present themselves to the commission.
Warri Sentinel understands the EFCC has also invited other individuals connected to the case for questioning, including the Rector’s personal assistant, Joel Ebilamowei; former Dean of the School of Environment, Lawrence Burutu; Director of Works, Engineer Ken Ejeta; and a contractor said to be linked to irregular financial transactions.
When contacted for comments, the suspended Rector, Professor James Okoro, and Director of Works, Ken Ejeta, both dismissively denied any knowledge of the matter and declined to speak further. Engineer Erebugha Abraham said he was not authorised to comment. Efforts to reach Akpore Lucky and Joel Ebilamowei at the time of this report were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Lawrence Burutu, former Dean of the School of Environment said he had no direct involvement in the case and had fully cooperated with the EFCC to clear his name.
Mr Ochuko’s petition detailed several alleged irregularities, including questionable payments to companies such as Ewomamega Global Enterprise and Macpeelveil Enterprise entities reportedly linked to the Rector which he claimed received public funds without proper registration. Other accusations included unauthorised salary deductions, misuse of institutional funds, and the intimidation of staff members.
Currently on official study leave in Spain pursuing a PhD, Mr Ochuko had previously requested a virtual hearing with the school’s disciplinary committee, citing personal safety concerns following alleged threats from individuals believed to be loyal to the accused officials.
Staff at the polytechnic remain frustrated by persistent salary issues and the reputational damage the scandal has caused the institution.
In November 2024, a video emerged showing a member of the institution’s governing council threatening to dismiss any staff member who reported the scandal to the Ministry of Education. Watch here
Meanwhile, the accused officials’ move to obtain a court injunction to block the EFCC’s investigation has raised concerns about possible obstruction of justice. If granted, such an injunction could significantly delay the investigation and hinder efforts toward transparency and accountability.
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