The Pro-Chancellor, Olivia University, Bujumbura, Burundi, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has denied being arrested and detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over his alleged involvement in the contract scandal rocking the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Chukwuma was said to have been detained upon honouring an invitation from the anti-graft agency, on Tuesday.
It was alleged that TETFund awarded a controversial N3.8b contract to Chukwuma’s company – Fides Et Ratio Academy, an educational services provider – with N2.9b paid to the company’s account in four installments without following due process.
But the serial entrepreneur and founder of the company described the publication as false and misleading.
A statement by Chukwuma’s Media Assistant, Obi Chukwuemeka, stated that contrary to the misleading information, he is currently at work in his office and not in detention.
He noted that Fides et Ratio, founded by Sir Paul Chukwuma, has consistently complied with contractual obligations including adhering to the principles of accountability and transparency.
“The ICPC has the mandate to supervise contractual requirements and requested documents to ensure compliance. Once requested, every law-abiding company is required to comply with the agency’s request and provide requested documentation.
“Fides et Ratio will continue to collaborate with the ICPC to demonstrate adherence to regulatory provisions, as the company is built on transparency and respect for the law”, the statement reads.
