A significant number of resident doctors in Abuja and Ogun State have come forward with accusations against Bob Daniel, Managing Director of Daniel Bob Nigeria Limited, alleging a fraudulent housing scheme that has resulted in losses exceeding N200 million. These doctors, who claim they were connected to the developer through the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) executives, characterize the incident as a blatant act of theft, potentially exacerbating the already concerning brain drain phenomenon within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Adding another layer to their distress, the doctors assert that their attempts to initiate an investigation through a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been met with inaction. Daniel, however, refutes these accusations, placing the blame on NARD leadership for failing to uphold the terms of the agreement.
Supporting documentation reveals that over 170 resident doctors subscribed to this ill-fated housing project. Dr. Olagbenro A.S, one of the affected doctors, shared her experience, detailing how more than 20 doctors in Sagamu pooled their resources, including equity funds sourced from personal savings and cooperative loans, totaling N2.5 million in her case alone. According to Dr. Olagbenro, the scheme was initially presented through their local NARD chapter in 2019 as a partnership with the Federal Housing Mortgage Bank, offering a range of housing options including bungalows, duplexes, and detached/semi-detached structures. The doctors made equity contributions, expecting the scheme to deliver on its promises. However, they were left with neither land nor houses, and their invested funds, often borrowed, remain unrecovered. Despite numerous attempts to address the situation through letters and various channels, their efforts have yielded no results, leaving the doctors feeling helpless and exploited.
Adding to the growing chorus of frustration, Dr. Adejare Samuel, another victim of the scheme, expresses profound disappointment, emphasizing the injustice faced by doctors choosing to remain in Nigeria despite the ongoing brain drain. He argues that such deceitful practices only serve to discourage healthcare professionals who have opted to contribute to the nation’s healthcare system. He underscores the pain and disillusionment felt by doctors who, having committed to serving their country, are now burdened with financial losses and unfulfilled promises.
The petition submitted to the EFCC on May 21, 2024, provides a detailed account of the scheme’s inception in late 2020 under the NARD leadership of Dr. Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa. The petition outlines the scheme’s objective: to leverage doctors’ National Housing Fund (NHF) contributions to secure affordable housing nationwide. More than N200 million was collected in equity contributions from interested members based on presentations by Bob Daniel and his company. Despite receiving these substantial funds, the developer failed to deliver the promised houses, leaving the doctors with no tangible progress or return on their investment.
The current NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, has acknowledged the issue and assures that the current executive body is diligently working towards a resolution, striving to either recover the doctors’ funds or ensure the delivery of the promised houses. However, attempts to obtain a statement from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, regarding the alleged inaction on the petition have been unsuccessful.
In contrast to the doctors’ claims, Bob Daniel maintains his innocence, shifting responsibility to the NARD leadership for alleged breaches in the agreement. He claims to have already commenced repayment to some subscribers and asserts that the outstanding amount is closer to N100 million, not the N200 million claimed by the doctors. He further contends that some subscribers have received their houses. Daniel has invited affected doctors from Sagamu, Abuja, and Awka to present proof of payment and relevant documentation, promising to settle their claims by the first week of the following month. This conflicting narrative further complicates the situation, leaving the doctors facing uncertainty and demanding accountability.
The core issue revolves around the conflicting accounts of the failed housing scheme. While the resident doctors accuse Bob Daniel and his company of defrauding them of over N200 million, Daniel counters that the NARD leadership is responsible for the breach of contract. This discrepancy underscores the need for a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the case and identify the responsible parties. The doctors’ claim of inaction by the EFCC raises concerns about accountability and transparency. Their frustration is compounded by the financial burden they bear, having invested significant personal funds, often through loans, into the scheme. The situation also highlights the broader issue of brain drain within Nigeria’s healthcare system, with such incidents potentially fueling the exodus of skilled medical professionals. The differing narratives presented by the involved parties necessitate a careful examination of the evidence to determine the truth and ensure justice for the affected doctors.
