Following recent allegations of missing cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the university says an implicated staff member has been questioned, investigated, and handed over to the police for a criminal investigation.
In the statement issued and signed by Olasunkanmi Olajide, the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations at FUNAAB,the university disclosed that upon reports of missing cattle, a thorough investigation was launched.
Olajide wrote that the investigation revealed that many of the stakeholders accusing the university of fraud had sidestepped official procedures and directly engaged with a staff member at the Cattle Production Venture (CPV).
He added that subsequently, the implicated staff member was questioned, investigated, and handed over to the police for a criminal investigation.
“It is important to inform the public that many of the affected stakeholders involved in the issue have refused to cooperate with the police to assist in the full investigation, and have also refused to show at the court, as witnesses. This might be due to their inability to bring legitimate documents depicting that their cattle is with FUNAAB. Olajide said.
Olajide stated that the case is now undergoing trial in court, demonstrating FUNAAB’s dedication to addressing the matter through legal channels.
While lamenting on the attitude of the affected investors, Olajide noted that several affected stakeholders have chosen not to cooperate with the police, hindering the full investigation.
Moreover, these stakeholders have failed to appear in court as witnesses, potentially raising questions about the legitimacy of their claims.
Addressing the specific claim of missing 700 cattle, FUNAAB clarified that its CPV facilities are not equipped to house such a large number of animals simultaneously.
The university emphasised the high standards maintained in its facilities for the care and management of livestock.
He expressed the university’s commitment to its core mandates of teaching, research, and extension services.
Olajide pointed out that FUNAAB values the trust and confidence of its stakeholders and remains open to constructive dialogue and collaboration to address any concerns.