NITR Union Denies Allegations of Misconduct and Intimidation

The joint union of the Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has publicly rejected allegations of worker intimidation, redundancy, and financial misconduct, describing a media report published on April 16, 2026, by Sahara Report as misleading and lacking credibility. During a press briefing at the institute's headquarters in Kaduna, union chairman Comrade Dr.

Umar Musa stated that the report failed to present a balanced account and did not seek the institute's response. He noted that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had restricted access to senior staff members but clarified that this was due to the redeployment of the office to the northeast zonal office in Gombe in March 2026.

Musa emphasized that the allegations of financial misappropriation involving Chief Executive Officer Dr. J.J.

Ajakaiye are under investigation by anti-graft agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He dismissed claims of recruiting 92 new staff as false and highlighted the ongoing commitment of the staff to their research activities despite funding challenges.