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In a pivotal development in the ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a prosecution witness, identified as PW6, shed light on allegations against Emmanuella Eteta Ita, the Head of Stakeholders Unit at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). Ita stands accused of siphoning and diverting substantial sums of money intended for Stakeholders’ assignments to her privately-owned educational institution, Surestart School Ltd.
During Monday’s proceedings before Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo, the witness, Ijeoma Matilda, under cross-examination by defense counsel Paul Erokoro, detailed how Ita allegedly utilized her position at FIRS to funnel funds earmarked for Stakeholders’ projects directly into her school’s accounts. Matilda disclosed that investigations revealed a direct transfer of funds from FIRS accounts into the account of Surestart School Ltd, with payment narrations indicating the intended use for Stakeholders’ assignments.
Matilda recounted interactions with Ita during reconciliation efforts, stating that Ita had pledged to repay misappropriated funds. While Ita reportedly returned approximately N17 million, she purportedly admitted to benefiting around N5 million from the scheme. Matilda clarified that the witness’s focus was on the financial irregularities rather than the standard practices for fund sourcing.
Furthermore, Matilda elaborated on discrepancies regarding receipts allegedly provided by Ita, claiming they did not originate from designated vendors. Ita allegedly attributed the receipts to a deceased FIRS staff member named Daniel, whose involvement raised suspicions prompting further inquiries.
Concluding the day’s proceedings, Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the trial until March 20 and 21 for the continuation of cross-examination. The testimony underscored the intricate web of allegations against Ita, casting a spotlight on the integrity of financial practices within FIRS and raising questions about accountability in public office.