The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has disclosed that one of its employees involved in the reported disappearance of 700 cattle entrusted to the university by stakeholders is currently facing trial. The cattle were placed in the university’s care as part of its Cattle Production Venture.
According to reports, stakeholders who entrusted their cattle to FUNAAB have accused the institution of fraud, as they are unable to account for about 700 of their cattle. In response, FUNAAB stated that any staff member found to have engaged in illegal dealings with the stakeholders leading to the loss of cattle is facing trial.
The university clarified that it allows external stakeholders to bring in cows for rearing through an open and transparent process. However, it was discovered that some stakeholders had bypassed university procedures and dealt directly with a staff member, leading to the loss of cattle. The staff member involved has been questioned, investigated, and handed over to the police for criminal investigation.
Despite the stakeholders’ refusal to cooperate with the police and assist in the investigation, the university emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining its core mandates of teaching, research, and extension services for agricultural development.
The case is currently undergoing trial at the Odeda Magistrate Court, as confirmed by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola.
