A Lagos-based forensic audit firm, Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, has accused the Osun State Government of inserting 8,452 ghost workers into the state payroll, allegedly resulting in an annual loss of N13.7 billion.
The allegation was made by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun, during an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday.
According to the firm, a forensic audit uncovered widespread payroll irregularities, including the payment of multiple salaries into single bank accounts. In one instance, it claimed, a single account received 962 separate salaries each month.
“A 12-month forensic audit revealed that the state is losing approximately N13.7 billion yearly to non-existent employees and fraudulent payroll practices under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke,” Ms. Bakrin-Ottun said.
The Osun State Government has denied the allegations, describing the firm’s report as exaggerated and driven by financial motives.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, said a re-verification exercise had confirmed that most of the individuals listed as ghost workers were legitimate employees of the state.
Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the alleged fraud, maintaining that its audit was conducted professionally and in accordance with global best practice.
The firm’s legal counsel, Mr. J.T.O. Uwazuruike, said the dispute had extended beyond issues relating to unpaid contractual fees.
