Crime

SON’s Finance Director Faces Investigation Over Massive Corruption Allegations

Published

5 months ago

June 26, 2024

Tam-George Aaron, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), is facing serious corruption allegations.

Despite his tenure having expired, Aaron has refused to step down, allegedly to continue manipulating financial records and using his companies to embezzle funds.

Aaron is accused of constructing a multi-billion Naira hotel in Abuja with the illicit gains. Additionally, he has reportedly falsified his academic credentials, claiming to be a Chartered Accountant despite the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) having no record of him. An inquiry into the membership number 15504, which Aaron provided, revealed that ICAN could not verify his certificate.

According to public service rules, a Director of Finance and Accounts who signs audited accounts must be registered with the Financial Reporting Council, which in turn verifies the individual’s ICAN certificate. Aaron’s alleged fraud extends beyond false credentials. He is said to use his companies, ZOJIE Nigeria Ltd (Reg Number 1493203, Head Office: House 3, Nwanza Close, Wuse Zone 3, FCT, Abuja) and Charonio Associates Ltd (Business Address: 21 Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State), to secure contracts within SON and other entities. This practice is a clear violation of civil service rules.

Aside from misappropriating funds for luxury items, Aaron reportedly owns several properties in Port Harcourt and Abuja. He also pays approximately $30,045.00 in tuition fees for his children at Whitworth University, USA. Despite these allegations, Aaron boasts of being untouchable.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being urged to investigate Aaron, particularly his account number 0002216905 at Access Bank, registered under Charonio Associates Ltd.