Leaked documents allege contradictory administrative directives, attempted dismissal of senior researcher and diversion of public project funds as anti-graft investigation deepens
By A1NEWS International
KADUNA, Nigeria — July 6, 2026
A major governance and accountability crisis has erupted at the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Kaduna, following allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and the alleged victimisation of a senior research officer who is said to be cooperating with an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Documents reviewed by A1NEWS International, alongside information from multiple sources familiar with the matter, suggest an escalating dispute involving the management of the institute, the handling of federal project funds and administrative decisions affecting Dr. Rolayo T. Emmanuel, an Assistant Director of Research and Head of the National AU-PATTEC (Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign) Project Office.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the Director-General of the institute has not publicly responded to the claims.
Allegations of Diversion of Project Funds
According to documents and sources familiar with the matter, the dispute centres on the implementation of the institute’s 2024 Disease Surveillance and Control Project.
Sources alleged that the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITR, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, instructed that project funds be paid into a commercial bank account instead of being managed through established government financial procedures.
The account was alleged to be associated with officials linked to the institute’s finance department.
Dr. Emmanuel reportedly objected to the proposed payment arrangement, arguing that public funds should only be administered in accordance with Nigeria’s financial regulations, procurement laws and public service rules.
The alleged diversion of funds has become one of the issues reportedly being examined by the ICPC.
As of press time, these allegations remain under investigation and have not been independently established by a court of law.
Whistleblower Alleges Campaign of Victimisation
Documents reviewed by A1NEWS International indicate that following her reported refusal to approve the disputed payment arrangement, Dr. Emmanuel was transferred from Kaduna to the institute’s North-East Zonal Office in Gombe.
However, another official communication reportedly directed her to remain in Kaduna because of her role in the ongoing ICPC investigation while simultaneously restricting her access to the institute’s premises.
Subsequently, another internal memorandum allegedly requested confirmation of whether she had resumed duty in Gombe, despite the earlier directive requiring her presence in Kaduna.
Labour experts who reviewed the documents described the apparent contradiction as an issue that may require clarification by the relevant authorities.
Conflicting Administrative Directives Raise Questions
One of the official communications reviewed by this newspaper reportedly instructed Dr. Emmanuel to remain available for anti-corruption investigators.
Another memorandum allegedly sought information on her absence from the Gombe office, raising concerns over whether conflicting directives could have exposed her to possible disciplinary proceedings.
Sources within the institute claim these administrative actions were intended to establish grounds for salary suspension and possible termination.
A1NEWS International could not independently verify the motive behind the directives, and management has not publicly explained the apparent inconsistencies.
Claims of Workplace Intimidation
Some staff members also alleged that security personnel were deployed to prevent Dr. Emmanuel from entering the institute before she formally received written notification restricting her access.
The claims have not been independently verified.
Additional allegations include claims that internal investigation documents were altered before being forwarded to supervising authorities.
No official findings have been released to substantiate those allegations.
ICPC Investigation Ongoing
The controversy comes as the ICPC continues investigations into allegations involving the institute.
Sources familiar with the matter said Dr. Emmanuel has been identified as one of the individuals assisting investigators.
Neither the ICPC nor the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has publicly disclosed the scope or outcome of the investigation.
The anti-graft agency has also not announced whether criminal charges will arise from the ongoing probe.
Civil Society, Staff Seek Federal Intervention
The controversy has prompted calls from some staff members and civil society advocates for independent intervention.
Among the demands are:
- An independent administrative investigation into the allegations.
- Protection for officials cooperating with anti-corruption investigators.
- Assurance against workplace retaliation.
- Full transparency regarding the management of public funds.
- Appropriate disciplinary measures where wrongdoing is established.
The groups also urged relevant government institutions to ensure that due process is followed throughout the investigation.
NITR Yet to Respond
Efforts to obtain the official position of the institute were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Officials at the institute reportedly declined to comment, citing the ongoing ICPC investigation.
Repeated attempts to reach the Director-General for his response were also unsuccessful before publication.
Should NITR or the Director-General issue an official response, A1NEWS International will publish it in line with the principles of fairness and balanced reporting.
The unfolding controversy at the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research has raised significant questions about public sector governance, financial accountability and the protection of public officers who cooperate with anti-corruption investigations.
While the allegations remain unproven and investigations are ongoing, the outcome of the ICPC probe is expected to determine whether any criminal or administrative misconduct occurred.
Until then, all parties involved remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence, while stakeholders continue to await the findings of the relevant authorities
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