Ghost Workers, Leaked Audio: APC Reps Caucus Calls for Investigation into Alleged Payroll Fraud in Osun

The Osun State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into alleged payroll fraud in the state, following a recent audit report by Sally Tibbet Consulting Limited which reportedly uncovered irregularities, including the existence of 15,000 “ghost workers” on the state payroll.

In a statement jointly signed by Honourable Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency), Honourable Sanya Omirin (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), and Honourable Abimbola Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency), the caucus expressed concern over a leaked audio in which Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, was heard allegedly threatening the audit consultants.

The lawmakers described the content of the audio as “criminally condemnable” and called for immediate explanations from Governor Adeleke, his brother Dr. Deji Adeleke, and other key officials implicated in the alleged fraud.

The audit report, which covered payroll transactions from January 2023 to June 2024, reportedly revealed cases where a single Bank Verification Number (BVN) received salaries for more than 5,000 workers.

The APC lawmakers argue that the findings vindicate their long-standing concerns about corruption, lack of transparency, and financial mismanagement under the Adeleke administration.

The caucus also criticized attempts to downplay the findings and accused some government officials of intimidating the forensic auditors saying “In a society where integrity and accountability are upheld, Governor Adeleke and his Chief of Staff should have offered unreserved apologies to the people of Osun for inflicting such monumental economic hardship .

The lawmakers alleged that Governor Adeleke is a figurehead in his administration, with his brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke, reportedly exercising significant control over state affairs.

They called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate all those implicated in the payroll fraud.

The APC caucus maintained that the people of Osun deserve a government that prioritizes integrity, transparency, and prudent management of public resources, warning that no individual should be above the law.