Governor Dikko Radda, who received the committee’s report said the screening covered 50,172 staff, out of which 46,380 were verified, while the rest were found with fake credentials, ghost postings, absenteeism or declined to appear.

The report was formally presented at the State Executive Council meeting, where top government officials and members of the Biometric Screening Committee were in attendance.

The exercise has created the first-ever unified digital database of all LGC and LEA staff in the state’s history while projecting monthly savings of N453.3 million if recommendations are fully implemented.

The 10-member committee uncovered falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and cases where staff positions were sublet to others.

It also recovered ₦4.6m from officers drawing double salaries or collecting pay while on leave of absence.

Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare said the exercise also exposed the Education Secretary of Zango LEA, who allegedly connived with others to insert 24 ghost workers, describing it as a “serious breach of trust.”

The governor said, “We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these things exist. Many people complained and even warned me that the Committee’s work could damage my politics and cost me elections.

“But I was not worried, because the situation in Katsina required reforming the system and doing the right thing.”

Radda directed that the findings be turned into a White Paper for full implementation.

Radda disclosed that local governments currently have about half a billion naira saved, which will reach ₦5.7 billion with the committee’s findings.

“Despite high revenue allocations, many local governments in Katsina still struggle to pay salaries. Councils such as Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura carry very heavy wage bills, mostly due to workers who are not genuine,” he stated.

The governor emphasised that reducing this burden will free up more funds to support grassroots development.

Read Also: Katsina Gov Radda stable after minor road crash

“I did this to save the state from the grip of a few. This is how we can have money to work for the general people in our local governments,” Radda said.

The screening exercise was conducted by a 10-member committee, including four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security personnel.

Source: Punch

The post Katsina Cracks Down On Salary Fraud: 3,488 Staff Stacked, ₦4.6M Recovered appeared first on Afinju FM.

In a statement released by the EFCC Media Office, “the suspects were picked up during sting operations carried out in Tanke, University Road, Oshin, and Agbabiaka areas of the state capital.”

The commission said the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cybercrime activities within Ilorin.

EFCC disclosed that items recovered from them included “seven exotic cars, among them a latest model Toyota Corolla and a Lexus, two motorcycles, as well as expensive phones and laptops allegedly used for internet fraud.”

The statement added, “The suspects will be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.”

According to a report, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, earlier warned against the rising cases of internet fraud, which are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

Read Also: ‘Yahoo Boys’ Causing Visa Woes for Nigerians- EFCC

“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.

Source: Punch

The post EFCC Nabs 28 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Kwara appeared first on Afinju FM.

According to a statement  via X, the suspected fraudster was apprehended on November 27, 2024, at No. 25 Aliyu Modibbo Street, Guzape Hills, following credible intelligence on his alleged fraudulent activities.

Read Also: Yahaya Bello, others to remain in EFCC custody till December 10

The statement added that items recovered from him include  a Range Rover Velar 2019 model, $4,100, N2m cash, one AP silver wristwatch, two mobile phones and one laptop.

The anti-graft agency confirmed that the suspect will face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The post EFCC seizes Range Rover, others from suspected fraudster in Abuja appeared first on Afinju FM.

apprehended thirteen suspected internet fraudsters in Sokoto State.

According to an official statement from the EFCC  via X, the suspects were arrested in the Gidan Yaro and Dandima areas of Sokoto, following actionable intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.

The agency further noted that the suspects will be charged in court after the conclusion of ongoing

investigations.

The post EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Sokoto appeared first on Afinju FM.