Finance Controller Connives With Bank To Steal N35M From Delta Government Agency

PHOTO: DELTA STATE GOVERNOR, EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN.

ASABA, DELTA March 26, (THEWILL) - Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has been allegedly duped of a whooping sum of N35 million by its Finance Controller, Mr. Joseph Ineanya.

Ineanya allegedly executed the scam in collaboration with some staff of Intercontinental Bank, Asaba branch.

The suspect who was arrested and taken to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja has however been granted bail.

Confirming the arrest to our reporter in Asaba, the Board Chairman, Mrs. Pat Ejeteh, lamented and wondered how the Controller successfully forged her signature before he withdrew funds from the agency’s accounts.

Mrs. Ejeteh explained that the money was meant to offset the bills of contractors who worked for the state during administration of former Governor, James Ibori.

"The criminality involved in the case was beyond the state level. What was stolen was about N35 million. I feel bad and embarrassed about it. He was arrested, he has confessed. At state level, the Head of Service will take over his case after the police. As regards the level of involvement of Intercontinental, the police will determine."

The SUBEB boss, who was categorical that the Finance Controller must have executed the deal in connivance with some staff of the bank, simply said, "by the time the suspect is properly quizzed, he will release the names of other accomplices."

She disclosed that rapid growth and development had resumed in the board after the crisis of misappropriation of funds, non-payment of contractors and unethical deployment of staff that rocked the board last year.

When our reporter contacted the Education Commissioner, Mrs. Juliet Agoba, she declined comment, as according to her she is not aware of the alleged fraud.

All effort to get comments from Ineanya was unsuccessful and the bank would not comment too.