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Secrets Reporters
An investigation has uncovered a pattern of alleged corruption at the Federal Science and Technical College, Ohanso, involving the awarding of multiple contracts to a company that appears not to exist. The contracts, totaling over ₦25 million, are suspected to be a conduit for the diversion of public funds by certain individuals within the institution’s management.
The college, previously known as Federal Technical College, Ohanso, was originally located at Okposi in the then Imo State, now part of Ebonyi State.
Documents obtained by SecretsReporters revealed that the management of the college had awarded four contracts to a company named Sob-Light International Enterprises. The contracts, all dated August 1, 2024, involved payments amounting to ₦6,336,148.50 each, for the supply of foodstuffs and student meals to the college. The specific details of the transactions are as follows:
On August 1, 2024, FTC Ohanso paid ₦6,336,148.50 to Sob-Light International Enterprises for the supply of foodstuff to the college. Payment #1001202002-1, Payer Code: 0517026091.
On August 1, 2024, FTC Ohanso paid ₦6,336,148.50 to Sob-Light International Enterprises for the supply of foodstuff to the college. Payment #1001202002-20, Payer Code: 0517026091.
On August 1, 2024, FTC Ohanso paid ₦6,336,148.50 to Sob-Light International Enterprises for the supply of food for student meals at the college. Payment #1001202002-10, Payer Code: 0517026091.
On August 1, 2024, FTC Ohanso paid ₦6,336,148.50 to Sob-Light International Enterprises for the supply of foodstuff to the college. Payment #1001202002-22, Payer Code: 0517026091.
The combined value of these contracts is ₦25,344,594.00. However, a thorough check has revealed that Sob-Light International Enterprises is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria’s official body for the registration of companies. Further scrutiny indicates that the company does not exist, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the contracts and the payments made by the college.
The findings suggest a deliberate attempt by certain officials within the management of the Federal Science and Technical College, Ohanso, to divert public funds under the guise of awarding contracts to a fictitious entity. The pattern of identical contract values and the recurrence of the same payment details further support suspicions of fraudulent activities.
Sources close to the investigation have hinted that these contracts may only be the tip of the iceberg, as there could be other similar fraudulent transactions yet to be uncovered. There are calls for a full audit of the college’s financial records and a comprehensive investigation by relevant anti-corruption agencies to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and to hold accountable any individuals involved in the misappropriation of public funds.
