A multi-million naira fraud has rocked the University of Calabar branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The scandal, which dates back to 2019, involves the non-remittance of check-off dues amounting to N138,782,840.97 by the former executive of the UNICAL ASUU, led by Dr. John Edor.

It was learnt that the Dr. Edor executive, which held sway from 2019 to 2023, failed to remit the mandatory 61% of dues collected from members to the national union of the body.

The non-remittance of the dues led to the suspension of the UNICAL branch of ASUU by the national leadership of the union.

The matter has now been formally lodged with the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Cross River Division, for determination in Suit No. NICN/CA/44/2025.

The formal complaint, launched by some concerned lecturers from the university, has Dr. John Inaku and 9 others as claimants, with ASUU (National) and two others as defendants. The claimants are seeking 15 reliefs, including:

“A declaration that they cannot be required to repay or remit again their check-off dues already deducted from their salaries.

“An order directing the 1st defendant (ASUU National) to lift the suspension of the 2nd defendant (ASUU UNICAL) and restore all rights, privileges, and benefits due to the claimants as members of ASUU.

“An order compelling the 3rd defendant (Dr. John Edor) to render a true and proper account of all dues collected during his tenure and refund the sum of N138,782,840.97 not remitted to the 1st defendant”.

The claimants are also seeking general damages of N150 million from ASUU (National) and N50 million from Dr. Edor, as well as special damages of N5 million.

Additionally, they are seeking an order for 21% interest per annum on the judgment sum until it is liquidated by the defendants. (Sunday Sun)