The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on anti-corruption agencies to launch an urgent investigation into an alleged ₦13.7 billion annual payroll fraud said to be rocking the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, APC State Chairman Tajudeen Lawal accused the government of presiding over a massive ghost-worker scheme and shielding individuals allegedly linked to the scandal.
According to Lawal, the allegations stem from a staff audit reportedly conducted for the state government by a consulting firm, which uncovered serious payroll irregularities. He claimed the audit revealed that one civil servant allegedly received salaries meant for as many as 5,615 workers through a single bank account.
The APC chairman described the situation as “mind-boggling” and accused the government of failing to act despite reportedly receiving the audit report as far back as July 2024.
Lawal also alleged that some individuals linked to the administration had multiple bank accounts tied to payroll irregularities, yet no public disciplinary action had been taken.
He further called for scrutiny of an alleged ₦79 million Automated Payroll Administrative System purchase, claiming payment was made without formal confirmation of delivery.
The APC urged Nigeria’s key anti-graft bodies — the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — to conduct a “thorough and transparent” probe and prosecute anyone found culpable.
According to the party, funds allegedly lost to ghost workers could have been used to support youth empowerment programmes and critical development projects in the state.
As of press time, the Osun State Government had not issued a fresh official response to the latest allegations.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
