By Our Correspondent
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly commenced an investigation into the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Engr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, over allegations that he used the name of the anti-corruption agency to extort ₦1.8 million from a lecturer in the institution.
The development follows a petition allegedly submitted to the Commission by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter, dated May 11, 2026, accusing the Rector of impersonating officials of the ICPC and leveraging the Commission's name and authority to obtain money from a lecturer in the Department of Marketing.
According to information gathered by our correspondent, the petition claimed that the lecturer was allegedly compelled to part with the sum of ₦1.8 million under circumstances linked to the purported invocation of the ICPC's authority. The union further alleged that repeated efforts to recover the money through internal mechanisms were unsuccessful, prompting it to formally petition the anti-graft agency.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the ICPC acknowledged receipt of the petition and considered the allegations serious, particularly because they involve the alleged misuse of the Commission's name in a manner capable of undermining its credibility and public confidence.
The sources further stated that the Commission's Chairman reportedly approved a full-scale investigation to establish the authenticity of the allegations and determine whether any criminal conduct was committed.
It was also gathered that the case has been assigned to a specialised investigative unit within the Commission to ensure a comprehensive and impartial probe.
According to sources within the investigation, Engr. Kadiri was reportedly invited by the ICPC on July 2, 2026, where he honoured the invitation, made a statement and was subsequently arrested before being granted administrative bail pending the conclusion of investigations.
The sources also revealed that other individuals believed to have played roles in the alleged extortion have equally been invited for questioning as investigators continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the matter.
When contacted, the Chairman of ASUP, Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter, Comrade Yemi Alabi, declined to comment extensively on the ongoing investigation but acknowledged the union's involvement in the petition.
"It is pointless debating who the author of the petition is as we believe it is public knowledge that we are. However, our dissatisfaction with several conducts of the Rector and his management team cannot be overstated, in which this particular issue just happens to be a fragment. At a time not too distant, the Union would fully oblige the media with several malfeasance which we are in contest of," he said.
His remarks suggest an increasingly strained relationship between the institution's management and the academic staff union, raising concerns over possible industrial unrest if unresolved grievances persist.
Sources close to the matter also noted that the allegations represent only one aspect of broader concerns reportedly being raised by the union against the institution's leadership.
An anonymous source familiar with the Commission's operations maintained that the ICPC takes allegations involving the fraudulent use of its identity seriously.
"The Commission does not tolerate any attempt by anyone to use its name for fraudulent purposes. Every allegation of this nature is thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is established," the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the management of Federal Polytechnic Offa nor the Rector had issued an official statement responding to the allegations.
The ICPC has also not released an official public statement on the investigation.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no court has found the Rector guilty of any offence. He is therefore presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise in accordance with the law.
Our correspondent will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
