Some resident doctors in Abuja and Ogun State have accused a developer and Managing Director of Daniel Bob Nigeria Limited, Bob Daniel, of allegedly defrauding them of over N200m in a failed housing scheme.
The doctors, who claimed they were introduced to the developer by the executives of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, described the incident as “daylight robbery” capable of contributing to the worsening brain drain among Nigerian healthcare professionals.
They also alleged that attempts to get the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the matter through a formal petition proved abortive.
But Daniel denied the allegation, accusing NARD leadership of breaching the contract terms.
According to documents obtained by The Punch on Friday, over 170 resident doctors subscribed to the failed housing scheme.
One of the victims, Dr Olagbenro A.S, in an interview, recounted how over 22 doctors in Sagamu contributed equity funds for the project.
According to her, she personally contributed N2.5m, including funds borrowed from cooperatives.
She said, “There is no way he (Daniel) would have done this to me if not for the NARD executives. We were informed through our local NARD that there was a housing scheme via the Federal Housing Mortgage Bank. That was around 2019. Initially, we were close to 50, but later reduced to about 22 because we had to make an equity commitment towards what the Federal Housing Mortgage Bank would provide.
“They brought in a man named Bob Daniel, who was to build the houses. We were to pay our equity contributions to him. The options included bungalows, duplexes, and detached or semi-detached structures, which were to be built in a designated annex.
“We didn’t get the land, the house, or even our money back. It was a loan. We have paid interest. And now, we have nothing. We have written letters and tried many avenues, but the man appears to be very powerful.”
Another victim, Dr. Adejare Samuel, lamented that doctors who chose to remain in Nigeria despite ongoing brain drain did not deserve such treatment.
He said, “If this is how doctors are treated, it’s no wonder more are leaving. Those of us who have chosen to stay behind should not have to go through this. It’s very painful.”
A copy of the petition submitted to the EFCC, dated May 21, 2024, by the victims stated that the scheme was initiated in late 2020 by the NARD leadership under Dr. Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa.
According to the petition obtained by our correspondent, the aim of the scheme was to secure housing for doctors nationwide using their National Housing Fund contributions.
The petition read in part: “Sometime in November 2020, the then executive of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors designed a program as part of efforts to reduce brain drain and provide affordable housing to members in various locations, including Abuja, Sagamu, Anambra, and Enugu, using their NHF contributions through FHA Mortgage Bank.
“Members who indicated interest, based on presentations by Mr. Daniel Bob and his company, paid over N200m in equity contributions to the developer through FHA Mortgage Bank. Despite receiving the funds, the developer failed to deliver the houses as agreed. The timelines for completion and handover have long elapsed, with no significant progress made.”
When contacted, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the current executive was working to either retrieve the funds or ensure the victims receive their promised homes.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure these subscribers get either their money back or the houses they subscribed for,” he said.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments on the allegations that the agency refused to act on the petition were unsuccessful.
However, the developer denied any wrongdoing and instead accused NARD leadership of failing to honour the agreement.
He said, “They failed on the agreement. I wish you could come, I will show you the agreement so you can see how they failed. I have already started paying some of them. The money we owe now is around N100m, not N300m. Some people even got their houses.
“Anyone from Sagamu, Abuja, or Awka should bring proof of payment and other documents at their disposal showing they paid to me. Once they bring their proof, I will settle them. By the first week of next month, I will start the settlements. Let us meet tomorrow with their documents,” he stated.
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