April 16, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
There is growing tension at the headquarters of the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (NITR) in Kaduna following an incident in which operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps allegedly barred a senior staff member from entering her office on the directive of the institute’s Director-General, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye.
The affected staff member, Dr. Rolayo Emmanuel, was reportedly stopped at the gate by armed operatives on Tuesday morning and denied access to the premises. Sources within the institute described the action as part of an ongoing power struggle linked to allegations of intimidation and corruption within the organisation.
Insiders alleged that the Director-General watched the incident unfold from his office while security operatives prevented the staff member from entering, escalating tensions within the institution.
The development comes amid ongoing allegations of financial misconduct and investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission into the institute’s management.
Staff members claim that the situation reflects a wider pattern of intimidation targeting employees perceived as supportive of the investigation. They also alleged that the leadership has been attempting to influence outcomes by lobbying government officials and controlling internal processes.
Workers further accused management of financial irregularities, including alleged discrepancies in payments to security personnel attached to the institute. They claimed that while official records suggest higher monthly payments, personnel reportedly receive significantly less.
The situation has also raised concerns about the state of research activities at the institute, with staff alleging that core diagnostic materials and medical supplies are no longer available, leaving much of the workforce idle.
Employees are now calling for the suspension of the Director-General and the appointment of an independent panel to investigate both administrative and financial allegations.
Efforts to obtain a response from the institute’s management were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as the situation unfolds.
