Police arrest four Enugu federal neuropsychiatric hospital staff over alleged fraud

POLICE detectives on Wednesday arrested four senior staff of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu over the alleged misappropriation of funds in the hospital.

The suspects were picked up by operatives of the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Force headquarters, Abuja.

It was gathered that the team, led by ASP Hankuri Yakubu, arrested the hospital workers at the end of the first inaugural meeting of the Governing Board of the hospital, held in Enugu.

Those arrested are: “The personal Secretary to the Managing Director, Mrs Stella Achara, the acting Director of Administration, Mrs Ndidi Igwenagu, the Head of budget and planning, Mrs Chioma Atuogu, Chairman Servicing, Mr Andrew Orovwigho and head of Audit, Mrs Evelyn Onu Chukwu.”

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe who was earlier been arrested in Abuja for the same allegation, was absent at the board meeting.

A police source told Nigerian Tribune that the detectives had a fresh warrant to re-arrest Onwukwe but that he was tactically absent during the meeting.

“He was granted administrative bail after his arrest in Abuja, with a condition that he should report the following day. Two weeks have passed since then, but he is nowhere to be found,” the police source hinted.

It could be recalled that Mrs Achara is standing trial at an Enugu High Court over an alleged job scam to the tune of 14million naira.

The hospital has been under lock and key for months following industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).