YENAGOA — A Bayelsa-born Petroleum Engineering graduate and father of four, Mr. Kariyai Daukoru, has accused prominent businessman and Chairman of the Azikel Group, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, of allegedly deceiving him and another beneficiary under an aviation scholarship scheme that promised training in the United States.
In a detailed public statement titled “Before You Crucify Me: Here Is My Side of the Story,” Daukoru alleged that what was presented as a life-changing scholarship opportunity eventually turned into a prolonged period of uncertainty, exploitation, and legal battles.
According to Daukoru, the scholarship programme was publicly announced in 2024 with promises that successful candidates would be sponsored to the United States for commercial pilot and aircraft engineering training.
He claimed that over 700 Bayelsans applied for the programme, while only a handful advanced to the final stage of the selection process.
Daukoru alleged that after successfully passing what he described as an extremely difficult examination alongside another candidate, Mr. Yebei Ebilate, they were publicly celebrated as scholarship winners and informed that arrangements were being made for their travel to the United States.
However, he claimed that instead of being sent abroad as promised, they were later directed to work within the Azikel Group Aviation Department under what was described as a six-month probation period before the training could commence.
According to him, the probation period eventually stretched far beyond six months, while repeated inquiries about their overseas training allegedly yielded no satisfactory response.
Daukoru further alleged that he abandoned his university studies and personal businesses based on assurances that the scholarship programme would lead to aviation training abroad.
The claimant also alleged that inquiries he personally made to foreign institutions, including the United States Embassy and certain international airlines reportedly mentioned during the scholarship announcement, did not confirm the partnerships he said were publicly referenced during the programme’s launch.
He further claimed that after seeking legal redress through the Bayelsa State High Court, he became the subject of criminal complaints, detention, and multiple court proceedings, which he described as attempts to pressure him into withdrawing his lawsuit.
Daukoru maintained that his allegations are backed by documentary evidence, correspondence, videos, and other materials which he said would be presented before the court.
He insisted that his objective is not to defame anyone but to seek accountability and justice through lawful means.
The matter is currently before the Bayelsa State High Court, where Daukoru is seeking judicial determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the scholarship programme and its implementation.
Efforts to obtain an official response from Dr. Eruani Azibapu and the Azikel Group regarding the allegations were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.
As the legal proceedings continue, observers say the case could raise broader questions about scholarship administration, youth empowerment programmes, corporate accountability, and the protection of beneficiaries who rely on such initiatives.
The court is expected to determine the merits of the claims and counterclaims presented by the parties involved.
