Dr. Johnson Agbai, Head of the Department of Anatomy at Abia State University, Uturu, has denied allegations that he extorted ₦1.5 million from students as a condition for passing their MBBS examination, describing the claim as false and damaging to his reputation.
In a right-of-reply statement dated September 18, 2026, Agbai categorically denied demanding, collecting, soliciting, authorising or personally benefiting from the alleged payment, insisting that the allegation must be backed by credible and verifiable evidence.
Agbai said his role in the examination was limited, noting that up to seven lecturers were involved and that he “only set one theory question and had this question to score.” He therefore challenged those behind the allegation to produce the names of the students allegedly involved, details of the purported transaction and any evidence linking him to the payment.
The university don also demanded access to any messages, recordings, correspondence, witnesses or other documentary evidence allegedly establishing that he demanded or collected the money in exchange for examination marks. “The fact that an allegation has been made cannot, by itself, constitute proof of the allegation,” he stated.
Agbai also questioned the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the allegation, recalling that he “danced into the gallery” of Professor Ndukwe, the Dean of the Faculty, where he met Dr. Hope Okechukwu, his predecessor as Head of Department.
He said the circumstances surrounding that encounter and subsequent events should form part of an independent investigation, stressing that authorities should examine not only the allegation against him but also “how the allegation originated, the persons involved in its emergence” and whether there was any deliberate attempt to implicate him.
“If there was indeed a deliberate attempt to set me up, the truth can only emerge through an independent examination of all the surrounding facts and not through reliance on a predetermined narrative,” Agbai said.
On the State Government investigation panel constituted to examine the matter, Agbai said he welcomed a genuine investigation because, according to him, “I have nothing to hide.” He, however, urged the authorities to maintain a clear distinction between an allegation, an investigation and an established finding of misconduct.
He also rejected any suggestion that his suspension from office should be regarded as proof of guilt, arguing that an administrative suspension pending investigation or determination should not be converted into a public declaration that he committed extortion.
Agbai expressed particular concern over the publication of the allegation on social media by Mr. Alex Onyia, saying it had widened the audience exposed to the claim and consequently magnified the damage to his professional reputation and personal integrity.
He said the allegation carried serious implications of “dishonesty, corruption and abuse of office,” warning that its publication could affect his relationships with colleagues, students, academic institutions, professional associates, friends and family. He consequently reserved his right to pursue “every lawful remedy” available to him over any publication he considers false, malicious or defamatory.
The Anatomy lecturer called for the complete particulars and evidence against him, including the original petition, identities and statements of accusers, proof of payment, electronic communications, audio or video evidence, reports or preliminary findings, and the terms of reference of the government panel. “If I collected ₦1.5 million from students for MBBS exams, let the evidence establish it. If I did not, then my name and reputation should not be destroyed by an allegation that cannot be substantiated,” he said.
Agbai reaffirmed his readiness to cooperate with the State Government investigation panel and all lawful institutional processes, urging the authorities to allow the evidence to determine the outcome rather than public opinion. He added, “I have confidence that truth does not require manipulation, and justice does not require a predetermined conclusion,” while requesting that his reputation be restored if the allegation is ultimately found to be false or unsupported.
