The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the acting Director-General (DG) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Alex Akpa, for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government the sum of N400 million.
In a statement signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, on Thursday, the agency said it is also investigating the official for abuse of office.
According to the statement, Akpa, who is a professor of microbiology, was arrested by operatives of the commission to answer questions on how the said amount was misappropriated under his watch.
The ICPC also said investigations revealed that the money, which the acting DG had claimed to be an intervention fund for the biotechnology agency, was diverted into private pockets.
It also accused Akpa, who was appointed in June, to have allegedly shared the money with top management staff of the agency.
The commission said his offence is contrary to and punishable under sections 19 and 26 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Akpa is a Fellow of the World Health Organisation (FWHO); a Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (FRSTMH) and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI).
The DG is said to have four patents granted for his original inventions.
This is quite disappointing and embarrassing, considering the person involved, a proven technocrat. Many argue our problem is because we are being led by unlearned Buhari. Who do we now trust? Shame!