ALDRAP Sues FG, Seeks Removal of UNIBEN VC Over Alleged Fraudulent Appointment

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has taken legal action to compel the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, to remove Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

In a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1417/2025), ALDRAP argues that Omoregie’s appointment is illegal and in violation of university regulations and the ICPC Act of 2000.

According to court filings submitted by ALDRAP's counsel, Timothy Tersugh Ahua, the group alleges that:

  • Omoregie ranked 23rd out of 25 candidates in the Vice Chancellor selection exam

  • He overstayed his leave of absence from UNIBEN while serving at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) between 2014 and 2024, violating UNIBEN’s internal regulations

  • He allegedly collected double salaries and allowances from both UNIBEN and NILDS over a ten-year period

  • The selection violated principles of merit, transparency, and due process

  • Repeated letters to the Minister of Education, ICPC, and the House Committee on University Education were ignored

ALDRAP is seeking a court order of mandamus to compel the Education Minister to:

  • Annul the appointment of Prof. Omoregie

  • Install the rightful highest-ranking candidate from the VC selection exam

  • Direct the ICPC to investigate and prosecute Prof. Omoregie under Section 19 of the ICPC Act for alleged corrupt practices

They also request the court to declare the current appointment “null, void, and of no legal effect.”

In an affidavit deposed by Jesse Williams, ALDRAP’s Administrative Secretary, the group claims it made multiple efforts to obtain transparency:

“We requested the candidate score sheets from the Minister of Education but received no response. The selection process was skewed, and the candidate with the lowest score was appointed,” Williams said.

The affidavit includes copies of unanswered letters to:

  • Minister of Education (Exhibit A)

  • ICPC Chairman (Exhibit B)

  • House of Reps Committee on University Education (Exhibit C)

Williams stressed the appointment was unjust, stating some ALDRAP members who scored higher were overlooked.

“It is only the court that can now intervene to correct the anomalies,” he concluded.

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