The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into alleged recruitment fraud and contract irregularities at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, involving its pioneer Medical Director, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga.
Dr. Ugbodaga, who assumed office in 2024, is alleged to have violated public service rules in the recruitment and management of staff, as well as in the award and execution of contracts. Despite receiving a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health in mid-2025 to begin recruitment, the Medical Director reportedly commenced the exercise as early as December 2024, months before approval was granted. The hospital currently operates with about 266 staff.
Crisis, however, erupted in January 2025 when the Medical Director allegedly halted the salaries of 20 staff members without prior notice, query, or disciplinary procedure. In a letter dated September 12, 2025, the affected staff demanded an explanation for what they described as an arbitrary and procedurally defective action, noting that they were neither accused of wrongdoing nor subjected to any administrative inquiry.
Following the hospital management’s failure to address their concerns or reinstate their salaries, the case was reportedly escalated to the EFCC, prompting the anti-graft agency to initiate a formal probe into the hospital’s operations.
In a letter titled “Investigation Activities” dated October 31, 2025, and addressed to the Medical Director, the EFCC requested comprehensive documents, including staff nominal and payroll records, details of all contracts awarded since 2023, payment records, bidding documents, and any additional information relevant to the investigation. The letter, signed by ACE Ibeleman Bristol, Head of Investigations at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office, stated that the request was made pursuant to Section 38(1)&(2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
Part of the inquiry reportedly focuses on a contract awarded to Buddy 25 Limited, based in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, for the supply of office furniture valued at over ₦43 million. Despite this, staff members allege that many offices remain without furniture, forcing some workers to sit on bare floors, mats, or patients’ beds while performing their duties.
The EFCC is also examining allegations that the Medical Director’s Personal Assistant, identified as Adedeji Bode Segun, has been drawing salaries from two federal institutions simultaneously. Segun is alleged to be concurrently employed by the University of Benin and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, with both engagements reportedly known to the Medical Director.
Although skeletal medical services have commenced at the hospital, concerns persist over the facility’s reportedly untidy and overgrown environment. Observers say the state of the premises raises questions about the utilisation of federal allocations.
As investigations continue, the EFCC has not yet released its findings to the public.
