LOKOJA, Nigeria – Anger and accusations of corruption are swirling around the Kogi State Specialist Hospital after its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Isah Yahaya Adagiri, a cousin of Governor Yahaya Bello, allegedly auctioned a brand-new Prado Jeep worth N95 million to himself for a mere N2 million.
Sources within the hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim that the 2023 model Jeep, bearing plate number 08f01KG, was purchased just last year for use by the CMD as his official vehicle. They allege that Prof. Adagiri, in collusion with the Director of Administration, the internal Auditor, and the Auction Unit of the State Ministry of Finance, orchestrated a scheme to declare the barely year-old car “unserviceable” despite being in perfect condition. This paved the way for the suspiciously low-priced auction, allowing Prof. Adagiri to purchase the vehicle for himself at a fraction of its true value.
“It’s like they’re looting the hospital before the Bello government comes to an end,” one source stated. “Prof. Adagiri and his cronies are auctioning off hospital vehicles to themselves as scrap, treating them like their own personal piggy bank.”
An undercover investigation by CAPITAL POST confirmed the allegations. A reporter posing as a patient observed the deserted Specialist Hospital and learned that the Jeep in question had been whisked away to the CMD’s family house in Kano. Two other official vehicles, Ultima models still in good condition, were reportedly sold for a paltry N200,000 each to senior staff members.
Patients at the hospital confirmed the exorbitant treatment costs compared to private facilities, citing this as a reason for the facility’s declining patient numbers.
Efforts to reach Prof. Adagiri for comment before publication were unsuccessful. He was unavailable at the hospital, and no one provided his contact information.
The news of the alleged auction has sparked outrage among the public and healthcare professionals. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter and demanding accountability from Prof. Adagiri and those involved. The incident raises serious concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the Kogi State Specialist Hospital and casts a shadow over the Yahaya Bello administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
It remains to be seen whether authorities will take action against Prof. Adagiri and address the growing concerns about corruption within the Kogi State healthcare system. This story is sure to continue in the coming days, with Nigerians watching closely to see if justice will be served.