Uniport Council Member Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Corruption By Chairman

A member of the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council, Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the institution’s council chairman, Mao Ohoabunwo, over alleged financial misconduct.

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The petition, also sent to the Federal Ministry of Education, accuses the chairman of mismanaging university funds, interfering in academic and administrative matters, and abusing his position for personal gain. Darma claims the university’s finances have been systematically hijacked under Ohoabunwo’s leadership.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

He alleges that contracts were deliberately split to bypass procurement rules, while vehicle supply deals were awarded to companies linked to the chairman without open bidding. The petition also accuses Ohoabunwo of diverting and concealing public donations amounting to over N370 million.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

According to Darma, documents from the university’s procurement committee dated July 3 and 4, 2025, support these claims, showing contracts given to predetermined vendors without fair competition.

The petition urges the EFCC to launch a full investigation into the chairman’s financial dealings, scrutinise the procurement of vehicles, and freeze any accounts or properties connected to alleged misappropriated funds. It also calls for the prosecution of all those found culpable under the EFCC Act.

Darma says he is ready to provide testimony and additional documents to aid the probe. He further appealed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to open a separate inquiry into financial transactions carried out under Ohoabunwo’s tenure.