Osun staff audit report: APC calls for ICPC, EFCC probe over alleged ₦13.7bn payroll fraud

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged existence of a ₦13.7 billion annual payroll fraud under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The call was made during a press conference addressed by the state APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, in Osogbo.

The opposition party’s demand follows reports that the Osun State Government had strongly refuted allegations of a ₦13 billion payroll scam involving Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government described the renewed claims as fake news allegedly sponsored by the APC.

The government maintained that no such fraud existed, stressing that verification of the controversial audit report indicated that more than two-thirds of those labelled as ghost workers were genuine staff with proper identification and documentation.

It further stated that Governor Adeleke remained open to investigations by anti-corruption agencies, noting that he initiated the staff audit to address concerns about payroll irregularities.

However, speaking at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office along the Gbongan-Osogbo Road, Lawal insisted that disclosures reportedly credited to the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, Saadat Ottun, vindicated the APC’s long-standing concerns about the state’s payroll system.

He alleged that the revelations confirmed serious irregularities within the administration and urged anti-corruption agencies to scrutinise the matter without delay.

Lawal specifically called on the ICPC and EFCC to commence a comprehensive probe into the allegations.

The APC chairman also raised concerns over the alleged involvement of individuals within the governor’s inner circle, urging investigators to determine the extent of their roles, if any, in the reported findings.

He further questioned the administrative structure of the state government, stating that the people of Osun State deserve clarity regarding the chain of authority and accountability.

The opposition party expressed concern over what it described as delayed action following the submission of the audit report in July 2024.

Lawal queried why decisive steps had allegedly not been taken despite reported discoveries of payroll irregularities. He cited a claim that a civil servant was allegedly receiving salaries meant for 5,615 workers, describing the allegation as alarming and deserving of urgent investigation.

“If this claim is accurate, continued inaction would be indefensible,” Lawal said.

He also demanded clarification over the reported purchase of an Automated Payroll Administrative System valued at ₦79 million, alleging that payment was made without confirmed delivery or deployment of the system.

Lawal criticised the state government’s dismissal of the allegations, warning that outright denials without transparent clarification could further heighten public concern.

The Osun State Government had maintained its position that the allegations were unfounded and politically motivated.