Dr. Johnson Agbai, Head of the Department of Anatomy at Abia State University, Uturu, has categorically denied an allegation that he extorted ₦1.5 million from students as a condition for passing their MBBS examination.
Agbai, in a formal response to the allegation, described the claim as false and prejudicial to his professional reputation, while calling for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the matter.
According to him, he did not at any time demand, collect, solicit, authorise or personally benefit from the alleged ₦1.5 million payment.
He explained that up to seven lecturers were involved in the examination and that his contribution was limited, stating that he set only one theory question and was assigned to score that question.
The university don therefore challenged those behind the allegation to produce credible and verifiable evidence linking him to the alleged transaction.
He requested the identities of the students who allegedly made the payment, the date, time and location of the transaction, the person to whom the money was allegedly paid, as well as any messages, recordings, correspondence or other documentary evidence connecting him to the alleged extortion.
Agbai also requested the statements of witnesses and any specific evidence establishing that the money was demanded or collected by him in exchange for examination marks.
“The fact that an allegation has been made cannot, by itself, constitute proof of the allegation,” he stated.
Raises Questions Over Circumstances Surrounding Allegation
The Head of Department also called for an examination of the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the allegation.
He referred to an encounter involving Professor Ndukwe, the Dean of the Faculty, and Dr. Hope Okechukwu, his predecessor as Head of Department, saying the circumstances surrounding the encounter and subsequent events deserved “careful, independent and impartial examination.”
Agbai stressed that he was not seeking to unjustly accuse anyone, but wanted investigators to examine how the allegation originated, the individuals involved in its emergence and the circumstances under which the information was obtained.
He further urged investigators to establish whether there was any deliberate attempt to create circumstances capable of implicating him.
Suspension Not Proof of Guilt, Says Agbai
Agbai acknowledged that his suspension followed the allegation and the investigative process, but maintained that the suspension should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.
He said an administrative suspension, particularly while an investigation is ongoing or before a final determination, should not be presented as evidence that he committed the alleged offence.
The academic said he was prepared to appear before the appropriate investigation panel, provide documents, answer questions and identify witnesses who could assist in determining the facts of the matter.
Objects to Social Media Publication
Agbai also expressed concern over the publication of the allegation on social media by Mr. Alex Onyia.
He said the publication had widened the audience exposed to the allegation and caused significant damage to his reputation, professional standing and personal integrity.
According to him, there is a distinction between an institution conducting an investigation and an individual publishing allegations concerning alleged misconduct to a potentially unlimited social-media audience.
He urged the university to take note of the circumstances and timing of the publication and preserve relevant records, correspondence and official communications concerning the disclosure of the matter.
Reserves Legal Rights
Agbai described the extortion allegation as particularly serious because of its potential implications for his professional integrity.
He said he had spent years building his reputation as an academic and administrator and therefore reserved his right to pursue all lawful remedies available to him over any publication that falsely presents him as having committed extortion or damages his character.
He, however, stressed that his position was not intended to obstruct any legitimate investigation by the Abia State Government or the university.
Demands Full Particulars of Allegation
The ABSU Anatomy HOD requested access to the written complaint or petition that initiated the matter, identities and statements of persons making the allegation, documentary evidence of payment, electronic communications, audio or video evidence and any material linking the alleged ₦1.5 million specifically to him.
He also requested any preliminary report or finding already made and the terms of reference of the State Government’s investigation panel, to the extent that he is entitled to receive them.
Agbai said he remained willing to cooperate fully with the investigation and all lawful institutional processes.
He maintained that the allegation should be determined strictly on the basis of evidence rather than public opinion, social-media publications, hearsay or untested accusations.
“If I collected ₦1.5 million from students for MBBS exams, let the evidence establish it. If I did not, then my name and reputation should not be destroyed by an allegation that cannot be substantiated,” he stated.
Agbai further requested that if the allegation is ultimately found to be false or unsupported, appropriate steps should be taken to correct the record and restore his reputation.
He also reiterated that he reserved all rights available to him under the law concerning any false, malicious or defamatory publication arising from the matter.
