....As Otuaro Released Allowances To Scholarship Beneficiaries Only After Favor’s Death, Seen As a Cover-Up For Mismanagement.

The sudden death of Miss Favor Benema Godswill, a 100-level Business Administration student at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, has ignited a wave of outrage and accusations against the leadership of Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Found lifeless in a hotel room on June 20, 2025, the incident highlights alleged neglect and financial mismanagement within the scheme, with particular blame directed at its administrator, Dennis Otuaro. 

Despite overseeing a budget of billions of naira, Otuaro reportedly failed to disburse vital allowances to scholarship beneficiaries on time, leaving many students in dire hardship. Records show that Favor became part of the scheme in November 2024, but her training allowance was withheld for over seven months, forcing her and others into extreme desperation. The delay in payments is now being scrutinized as the possible catalyst for her tragic demise, with some close to her suggesting that her death may have been precipitated by the stress and despair caused by the ongoing neglect.

In an appalling sequence of events, Otuaro only released allowances after Favor’s death—a move perceived by many as a futile attempt to cover up his gross mismanagement. Critics argue that if adequate funds were available in the Amnesty Office to pay students, why was there such an unnecessary delay? Otuaro’s actions have cast serious doubts on his integrity and competence, raising questions about his suitability to administer a scheme designed to support vulnerable Nigerian youths.

Furthermore, reports emerging from the incident scene indicate Favor was accompanied by a university staff member during her ill-fated hotel stay. Witnesses allege there may have been predatory motives involved, which raises deep concerns about the safety and protection of students under Otuaro’s leadership. The local community and student organizations have called for a comprehensive investigation of the circumstances surrounding her death, condemning Otuaro’s administration for its ongoing neglect and alleged exploitation.

Local leaders, including Comr. Lawoni Dumofaye, have voiced their despair, condemning the leadership’s failure to safeguard the welfare of beneficiaries. Dumofaye urged authorities to hold responsible parties accountable for Favor’s death and demanded transparency in the investigations. Meanwhile, police custody has been granted to the hotel manager and the woman believed to be involved, as inquiries continue.

Across the nation, outrage grows as critics accuse Otuaro of abusing his position for personal gain rather than addressing the pressing needs of the scheme’s beneficiaries. Reports estimate that funds allocated to the program may have been misappropriated or diverted under his watch. Instead of prioritizing the well-being of ex-militants and scholarship recipients, Otuaro is accused of engaging in social escapades and neglecting his official duties.

Particularly with the recent tragedy, calls for the president to intervene intensify. Many believe President Tinubu should consider removing Otuaro from his position at the Amnesty Office to prevent further suffering and restore credibility. The scheme, which was once a symbol of hope for thousands, now appears tainted by leadership failure, exemplified by Favor’s heartbreaking demise.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and effective administration within Nigeria’s Amnesty Programme. As the nation mourns the loss of Favor Benema Godswill, doubts linger about the future of the program and the integrity of those entrusted to oversee it. The shadows cast by Dennis Otuaro’s misrule threaten to deepen the suffering of vulnerable students and undermine public trust in governance.