Allegations of massive payroll fraud in Osun State, amounting to N13.7 billion annually, have thrown the state’s workforce management under intense scrutiny.
Salivot Consulting Limited, the audit firm behind the revelation, claimed in an appearance on Politics Tonight (Channels Television) that a 12-month forensic audit uncovered thousands of ghost workers and pensioners on the state payroll.
According to the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sadat Bakrin-Ottun, the audit, reportedly commissioned by the Adeleke-led administration, flagged 8,452 workers and 5,831 pensioners who failed to appear for physical and biometric verification.
“The state is losing about N13.7 billion yearly to fraudulent payroll practices,” she said.
The audit report also uncovered what Bakrin-Ottun described as “extreme manipulation” of salaries. She alleged that one bank account linked to a single BVN received 962 monthly salaries, while another reportedly collected 5,615 salaries in a single month.
However, the Osun State Government has vehemently rejected the claims, accusing the consulting firm of exaggeration.
Officials insist only 1,316 workers remain unverified and argue that some of those flagged are legitimate employees, retained on the payroll for ethical reasons.
Bakrin-Ottun dismissed the rebuttal, insisting the audit was thorough and biometrically verified. She alleged that although Governor Ademola
Adeleke initially supported the exercise, implementation stalled after the report’s submission in July 2024.
“When we demanded accountability for the siphoned funds, tensions escalated, straining relations with senior officials, including the Chief of Staff,” she added.
The firm’s legal counsel, J.T.O. Uwazuruike, noted that the dispute has escalated beyond unpaid fees.
The consultants now plan to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged embezzlement.
Meanwhile, the state government has not provided a detailed response on the multiple salary payments into single accounts, even as questions persist over its claim of reducing the monthly wage bill by N1 billion.
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