Kogi Poly Disowns Impostor Behind Fake Environmental Centre, Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding Arrest »

The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic has distanced itself from the activities of one Abdulaziz Yusuf, popularly known as Okadigbo, describing him as an impostor falsely parading himself as the manager of a non-existent Environmental Resource Information Centre (ERIC) linked to the institution.

In an official statement issued by the institution’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Uredo Omale, the Polytechnic said it became necessary to clarify misleading claims made by Yusuf, who alleged that his recent arrest was politically motivated and connected to a congratulatory message he issued in support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

However, the Polytechnic has refuted this narrative, stating that Yusuf had, in collaboration with a staff member from the School of Environmental Technology, fraudulently used the name, identity, and logo of the institution to solicit funds from international and local organisations without authorisation.

According to the statement, the impostor created a fictitious centre dubbed the Environmental Resource Information Centre (ERIC) and presented it as an official unit of the Polytechnic. Through this channel, he reportedly made financial requests to several entities including Dangote Cement, federal and state government agencies, and organisations in China, the United States, Kenya, and Sweden.

“The said Abdulaziz Yusuf Okadigbo is not a representative, agent, or affiliate of Kogi State Polytechnic. At no time was he authorised to act on behalf of the institution or use its insignia for any official or unofficial engagement,” the statement read.

The institution emphasized that only its Governing Council has the legal authority to approve the establishment of centres or collaborations, and no such approval was ever granted to ERIC or its operators.

It further described the act as a gross violation of institutional integrity, criminal impersonation, and a breach of public trust, which warranted the intervention of law enforcement agencies. While Yusuf is already in police custody, the Polytechnic also confirmed that his internal accomplice is currently under investigation and may face further administrative and legal actions.

The school has warned the general public, government bodies, and corporate organisations to disregard any past or future solicitations made in its name by Yusuf or anyone associated with him. Such actions, it said, are illegal and have no bearing on the Polytechnic’s authority.

Finally, the statement cautioned against attempts to politicize the arrest or blackmail the institution, urging all concerned to allow the law to take its course without interference or emotional manipulation.

Kogi State Polytechnic reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency, ethical standards, and continued cooperation with security agencies to ensure that fraudulent acts are exposed and punished accordingly.