Osun APC calls on EFCC to freeze accounts over alleged ₦13.7bn payroll fraud

n n

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

n

The Diaspora Committee of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze accounts allegedly linked to a reported ₦13.7 billion “ghost workers” salary scheme in the state.

n

The committee made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo by its Secretary, Tunmise Ajiboye.

n

It alleged that a consultant engaged by the state government in 2023 to audit its workforce discovered irregular salary payments amounting to about ₦13.7 billion annually, including cases where multiple workers’ salaries were reportedly paid into a single bank account.

n

The APC committee urged anti-graft agencies to act swiftly to prevent possible diversion of public funds, alleging that the money could be used for political activities ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state.

n

It also expressed concern over what it described as silence from relevant anti-corruption agencies since the alleged discovery, urging the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

n

The group further called on foreign missions, including those of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, to consider visa restrictions on individuals allegedly linked to the matter until investigations are concluded.

n

The APC Diaspora Committee also reviewed the performance of the current administration, stating that it had assessed projects across the state and would continue mobilising support for its governorship candidate ahead of the poll.

n

It expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the forthcoming election, while urging Osun indigenes in the diaspora to invest in the state to boost economic development and reduce unemployment.

n n