NITR Denies ₦391 Million Fraud Allegations as Baseless

The Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has strongly denied allegations of financial misconduct amounting to ₦391 million, describing a recent report by Sahara Reporters as misleading and unsubstantiated. The institute's Director and CEO, Dr.

Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, asserted that their financial administration adheres strictly to government regulations. Mr.

Malvi O Ogenyi, head of public relations, stated that the claims of financial misappropriation are inaccurate and taken out of context. NITR emphasized that its financial activities are subject to oversight from multiple government agencies, making unilateral interference impossible.

The institute also clarified that no court has convicted Dr. Ajakaiye of any financial wrongdoing.

Allegations of phantom travel and inflated fuel claims were dismissed as speculative and based on anonymous sources. NITR invited stakeholders and journalists to engage directly with management to ensure transparency and accountability, urging the public to disregard the unverifiable media report.