The Equal Justice Initiative Nigeria (EJIN) has raised serious concerns regarding a major case of alleged financial misconduct involving Engr. Cemhan Kucuk, a Turkish contractor whose business operations have been severely affected by Tansian University in Anambra State. The contractor, through his Leocen Investment and Development Ltd, has faced a dire financial crisis due to a prolonged and unresolved payment issue with the university.
Background of the Dispute
Engr. Cemhan Kucuk was awarded a road construction project by Tansian University in 2015. The project, which included internal roads, culverts, and drainage systems, was completed in accordance with the contract specifications. However, despite fulfilling his contractual obligations, Engr. Kucuk has not received the N430,000,000 payment owed for his services.
At a press briefing held in Abuja yesterday, EJIN detailed the significant hardships faced by Engr. Kucuk and his company. Engr. Kucuk’s firms took out a substantial loan from a commercial bank to fund the project. Due to the university’s failure to make the agreed payment, this loan has accrued considerable interest, resulting in severe financial strain on his businesses. The delay in payment has led to his companies being blacklisted by Nigerian banks, further compounding their financial difficulties.
The Role of Tansian University
Tansian University initially requested the project to fulfill mandatory infrastructural requirements for securing a National Universities Commission (NUC) operational license. Despite the successful completion of the project, the university, now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia under Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke, has failed to honor its financial commitments. The late founder of the University, Msgr John Bosco Akam issued Engr. Kucuk a bounced cheque of N100,000,000 in partial payment, exacerbating his financial woes.
Petition to Nigerian Authorities
On August 14, 2024, a formal petition was submitted to the Turkish Consulate in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Universities Commission (NUC). The petition accuses Tansian University of corruption, criminal breach of trust, and fraudulent misrepresentation. It outlines how the university’s deceptive practices have led to substantial financial losses and severely damaged the reputation of Engr. Kucuk and his companies.
The petition highlights the severe consequences faced by Engr. Kucuk, including threats of legal action from vendors and potential restrictions from financial institutions due to his company’s debt. Despite numerous appeals and written communications to various Nigerian authorities, Engr. Kucuk’s requests for resolution have been ignored.
Call to Action
EJIN urgently calls on the EFCC, NUC, and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations against Tansian University and facilitate a fair resolution. We also urge the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia and Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke to promptly address this issue to prevent further damage to Engr. Kucuk’s businesses and restore justice.
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