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Crisis in Ondo over inquest into Akeredolu’s death

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Crisis in Ondo over inquest into Akeredolu’s death

It is close to two years that the immediate past Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, died in office. The former governor passed away in a German hospital, where he was reportedly receiving treatment for Leukaemia (cancer of the blood) and prostate cancer.

The two sicknesses had rendered the then governor of Ondo State, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), incapacitated for months and prevented him from completing the second term of his eight-years tenure.

But shortly before his death; his sickness had sparked a controversy between a member of his kitchen cabinet, Bunmi Ademosun, and his wife, Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu.

Allegation of poisonous concoction

In January 2023, Mrs Akeredolu made public her husband’s ailment, which until then had been kept under wraps,, by crying out that the former governor was on sickbed and incapacitated after consuming a “poisonous concoction” allegedly provided by Ms Ademosun.

In a leaked video released on social media, the former first lady accused Ademosun, a former special adviser, to the late governor on Multilateral and Inter-Government Afffairs, of sneaking in to give her husband the local herbs on his sick bed.

Expressing worries over husband’s deteriorating condition, Mrs Akeredolu had warned the lady to ‘stay away from him, saying that her persistent closeness and unorthodox approach was worsening Akeredolu’s health condition.

“I warned Aketi (Akeredolu) from the beginning that this woman is evil. This woman is no good, and it’s happening. She had nothing good for you, and I warned him. This woman is bloody evil.

“But I’m warning her for the very last time to stay away from my husband. I want this woman to stay away from my husband. Stop sneaking in concoctions. We rely on the western style of medical care, and Aketi will get well,” she had said, accusing Mrs Ademosun of bringing in concoction in her scheming to become the deputy governor.

“What has triggered this very message was her recent meeting to become the deputy governor of the state. Look at you! What have you got upstairs to be the deputy governor of Ondo (state)?” Mrs Akeredolu queried, adding that, “if anything happens to Aketi, Lucky (Aiyedatiwa) takes over. It’s a constitutional thing, but not for you to be scheming.”

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But Mrs Ademosun, who hailed from a royal family in Akure, was quick to respond via  a statement issued by the family.

Reacting through a statement by the chairman, Elemo Adedipe Dynasty in Akure, Adedipe Olajide,, Mrs Ademosun condemned the outburst of the then first lady, saying she would be held responsible if anything happened to her.

The statement said: “The Elemo Adedipe Dynasty of Akure will hold Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu responsible and accountable should anything ontoward happen to our daughter and/or her assets (human and material).

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house. It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman.

“Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness,,” (Proverbs 21:9,19 and 25:5, 24)

“We join the good people of Ondo State to pray for the speedy recovery of Arakunrin’s health so he can finish his term as Executive Governor with laudable legacies for posterity in Ondo State.”

Amid the tirade of the toxic concoction between his wife and his aide, Mr Akeredolu left his sickbed to confirm his battles with an ailment, although “not a life-threatening illness”, adding that he was recovering fast.

“Since the governor is not a superhuman and the immunity his office enjoys does not extend to physical wellness or otherwise, the health issue is therefore not an unusual one,” Mr Akeredolu said in a statement released by his spokesman, declaring that there was no cause for alarm even in the midst of his failing health.

In the midst of the raging controversy, the governor gave up the ghost on December 27, 2023, leaving a trail of emotions as darkness enveloped the state and tributes poured in from within and outside the state.

‘Akeredolu wouldn’t have died’

But three months later, Akeredolu’s widow set the social media on fire when she claimed that her husband would not have died of the complications if he had heeded her advice.

Explaining that she would not have become a widow, Mrs Akeredolu said if the former governor had chosen medical practice over spiritual practices, he would have still been alive.

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“What came out of their mountain climbing, ‘blessed handkerchiefs, water, olive oil’, etc., from the GOs and all the noisy prayers like people possessed by demons?

“If Aketi had listened to me, I wouldn’t be a widow,” she said.

Shortly after firing that salvo, Mrs Akeredolu was dragged by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac, who accused the first lady of being responsible for her husband’s death.

Omowunmi, a kinsman of Akeredolu also from Owo Kingdom, had in a WhatsApp conversation alleged that the late Akeredolu did not succumb to cancer as was widely believed, but was killed by his wife.

She had further alleged in the message that Mrs Akeredolu physically pushed her husband, leading to a fatal rush of blood to his brain.

Following the development, a group of civil society organisations had called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and launch an investigation into the claim, while asking Mrs Isaac to provide proof of her controversial claim and explosive allegation against Akeredolu’s widow.

“The claim has serious implications for the integrity of the Akeredolu family and the reputation of the late governor, whose death had already been surrounded by medical explanations,” the group said.

As the issues surrounding Akeredolu’s death raged, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa raised a fresh dust a fortnight ago with the controversial demolition of the memorial park built to immortalise the victims of the June 2, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo.

The destruction of the cenotaph, constructed by the late Akeredolu, drew the ire of his widow, Betty-Anyanwu, who rebuked Govenor Aiyedatiwa and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, for demolishing her husband’s legacy without recourse to the victims of the violent attack, adding that the people of the ancient community had dismantled the progess they had made together.

With palpable emotion, she specifically came hard on Oba Ogunoye, describing the revered traditional ruler and Chairman, Council of Obas in Ondo State, as ‘Baby Oba’, saying her husband had singlehandedly installed him during his tenure as governor.

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Her outburst attracted wide condemnation, especially from the natives of Owo and supporters of the Aiyedatiwa government, who accused the former first lady overberance and dominance despite the ‘controversial death’ of her husband in office.

In the ensuing reactions, leaders in the community and stakeholders in the state immediately cast aspersions on Mrs Akeredolu, demanding she revealed the real cause of her husband’s death and expressing doubts as to whether Akeredolu actually died of prostate cancer.

“With the heights of all these her attitude, It’s better we rally our community leaders in Owo to demand the real cause behind her husband’s death by launching a coroner’s inquest, because her attitude, which is uncultured, is giving room for suspicion over the death of a man loved by his people,” a native of the community, Adeoye Abiola, had said in a social media post.

Not long after Abiola’s post, the state government confirmed the recipient of a coroner’s inquest into the cause of the death of the late Akeredolu.

In a statement issued to journalists in Akure, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, claimed that the government has received many petitions and requests urging his office to launch an investigation into the ‘troubling inconsistencies’ surrounding Akeredolu’s death

Although Ajulo did not mention the names of the petitioners, a development that has attracted mixed reactions and feelings, he said some concerned groups have demanded coroner’s inquest into the demise of the deceased governor.

Ajulo said: “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state, including professional bodies and even from the late Governor’s hometown,.

“The petitioners urged the Attorney General to initiate an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the former Governor’s death.

“They raised concerns based on previous and recent public statements as well as what they described as ‘unguarded and unhinged conduct’ of the former First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.

“In their petitions, she and others were explicitly named as persons of interest, with the petitioners claiming her actions cast doubt on the official narrative that the former Governor died from cancer-related complications.”

In the midst of the flurry of petitions, which has drawn counter-reactions, Ajulo claimed that the citizens have the right to request the invocation of the coroners law, stating that is only designed to address public concerns surrounding deaths considered unnatural or controversial.

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According to him, under the law, any citizen or group who suspects foul play or has lingering questions about a person’s death has the legal right to demand a coroner’s inquest.

“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.

“It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.

“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public.” Ajulo said, maintaining that the law would be allowed to take its course without bias or sentiment.

Reiterating that there is a legal process for everything, the Ondo State Attorney General asked the people of the state to allow the law take its full course without prematurely casting aspersions on anyone.

With the move; residents, stakeholders, and critics of governor Aiyedatiwa-led government have expressed harsh reactions to the development, stating that the probe would open a fresh wound and heat up the polity in the state.

Many of them, who cautioned the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Ajulo, against the move, also noted that the government is ‘treading on an inglorious path’ that could set the state on fire.

In his reaction, a resident of the state, Olugbenga Ajongbolo, said the action, if continued, could bring to an end the government of Aiyedatiwa even before the latter leaves office.

Ajongbolo also slammed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for entertaining such coroner’s inquest at the expense of the grieving family of the deceased.

“How do you, in the first place, entertain petitions from some faceless groups to exhume the body of the late Governor ‘Rotimi Akeredolu and subject it to whatever nonsense coroner law you’re invoking?

“What is this for heavens’ sake! You only didn’t accept the petitions, you also published it for Ondo State people, Aketi’s family, and well wishers to read your ill conceived idea of being a 21st Century law keeper,” he said, asking that Aiyedatiwa calls Ajulo to order.

“He is on the path to ignominy, and like the Yoruba often remind people like him, the honour given to a man who kills an elephant with his cap ends at dusk.”

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Querying the main purpose behind the probe, another resident, Mr Samad Orijeminiyi, said Ajulo should step down from his position as the Chief Law Officer of the state.

“That man (Ajulo) is a misfit in the office. He takes delight in ‘forcing’ issues everywhere! Every time! If they don’t tame him, he will bring down this government,.

“I am still trying to wrap my head around whether the Governor sanctioned his new resolve for a coroner inquest. I don’t know if he is at liberty to act unilaterally without consulting the governor,” he said.

Davjd Akingbade expressed shock at the endorsement of the exhumation of the late Akeredolu’s body.

“How can the AG in all fairness entertain such frivolous petition? That drama is not needed at all,” Akingbade said, advising that the move should be dropped without any hesitation.

Condemining the development, a social commentator in the state, Oluwasegunota Ajayi, said he had already evaluated the issues surrounding the probe but found it appalling.

He described anyone supporting the action as “those being paid to defend their duties”, adding: “For Dr. Ajulo, I hope he will, in no long time, reflect the resonance and the indelibility of his actions at this time.”

However, a former Minister of State for Transport, Ademola Adegoroye, acknowledged that the state government under Aiyedatiwa’s watch has a responsibility to receive and act on any petition.

Adegoroye, a lawyer, noted that those behind such petitions are not lovers of peace, describing them as mischievous and calling on governor Aiyedatiwa to jettison the move to avoid giving his administration a bad image.

Noting that the inquest is unnecessary, a social commentator and lawyer, Barrister Sola Ajisafe, said proceeding with such petitions is an attack on the memory of the late former governor.

Ajisafe also criticised Ajulo, accusing him of soiling his hands by citing the reasons why the coroner’s inquest was initiated for probe.

“It goes without saying that the Attorney General revealed his hand by citing the inglorious and despicable action of the wife of the late governor on the demolition of the cenotaph in Owo as the basis of his current actions without considering the bigger picture,” he said.

On his part, former Head of Service in the state, Mr Ajose Kudehinbu, asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to be mindful of posterity, saying those agitating for a coroner’s inquest into the death of his predecessor are against the current peace and stability under his watch in the atate.

“The executive power in the state resides only in one person: the governor. Nobody else, and he’s the one to give account at the end of the day, for the good times, for the bad times, to posterity!

“The executive power should neither be diluted nor shared for whatever reason.”

He added: “When I read the story about the plan to know how Aketi passed on, I knew this could not be true or could only have come from those who lacked regard for the peace and stability of the state in which the Governor is the highest stakeholder.

“As citizens or indigenes, we owe individual or collective responsibility to see our state on the path of progress.”

Crisis in Ondo over inquest into Akeredolu’s death

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Grand Chief Imam warns Bennylee against religious provocation, urges respect for judicial process

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July 30, 2026

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Grand Chief Imam warns Bennylee against religious provocation, urges respect for judicial process
Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilat Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu

Grand Chief Imam warns Bennylee against religious provocation, urges respect for judicial process

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilat Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has cautioned social media influencer and blogger, Ifagbemiro Olamigoke Adewola, popularly known as Bennylee, against actions and public statements that could provoke religious tension, promote hatred or threaten peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

The warning followed ongoing criminal proceedings involving the social media personality before a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic leader said the matter had been adjourned until August 6, 2026.

The case reportedly arose from a direct criminal complaint involving allegations of incitement, insulting or inciting contempt of a religious creed, defiling a place of worship or an object of religious significance, and injurious falsehood.

The complaint was also said to be connected to an alleged incident involving the placement of traditional sacrificial items, including a calabash containing boiled eggs and palm oil, on the Holy Qur’an.

The Grand Chief Imam, however, said no pronouncement would be made on the merits of the allegations because the matter was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

He urged all parties and members of the public to respect the judicial process and allow the court to determine the case without interference, pressure or prejudice.

The Islamic leader expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of social media platforms to ridicule religious beliefs, provoke faith-based sentiments and create tension among citizens.

He said freedom of expression was a constitutional right but should be exercised responsibly and within the limits provided by law.

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According to him, freedom of speech should not be used to promote religious hatred, deliberately offend sacred beliefs or encourage actions capable of disrupting public peace.

The Grand Chief Imam also expressed concern over a video in which Bennylee allegedly criticised the practice and discussion of Shari’ah in Yorubaland.

He said some Muslims considered the statements made in the video to be inflammatory, misleading and hostile towards Islam.

The Islamic leader maintained that Shari’ah was an integral aspect of the Islamic faith and that Muslims had the constitutional right to practise their religion and observe its principles within the framework of Nigerian law.

He added that Shari’ah should not be portrayed as an instrument of forced conversion or religious domination.

The Grand Chief Imam warned against the use of misinformation, fear-mongering and inflammatory language to portray Islam or Shari’ah negatively, saying such actions could deepen suspicion, fuel religious intolerance and undermine the peaceful coexistence for which Yorubaland is widely known.

“As a legal practitioner, I wish to remind all Nigerians that the right to freedom of expression carries corresponding responsibilities,” he said.

He noted that publications or conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking public disorder or violating the rights of others could attract legal consequences where offences were established under applicable laws.

The Grand Chief Imam advised Bennylee to reflect on his public engagements and seek accurate knowledge about Islam through dialogue with recognised Islamic scholars.

He said disagreements over religion should be addressed through respectful engagement, mutual understanding and peaceful dialogue rather than hostility or contempt.

The Islamic leader also commended Barrister U.S. Imam and his legal team for pursuing the matter through lawful and constitutional channels.

He said their decision to seek redress through the court demonstrated that grievances arising from alleged religious provocation or desecration should be addressed through legitimate institutions rather than self-help or confrontation.

The Grand Chief Imam urged Muslims across Yorubaland and Nigeria to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, regardless of the level of provocation.

He warned against taking the law into their own hands and encouraged members of the Muslim community to pursue justice through lawful means.

He also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, public officials, content creators and social media influencers to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements.

According to him, Nigeria’s unity, peace and stability depend on mutual respect among people of different religious beliefs.

The Grand Chief Imam urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue, tolerance and understanding, stressing that people of different faiths should be able to disagree without hatred and engage one another without contempt.

He prayed for continued peace, harmony, justice and religious tolerance across Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Grand Chief Imam warns Bennylee against religious provocation, urges respect for judicial process

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DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

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July 30, 2026

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DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the alleged killing of two victims.

The five defendants — Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar — pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

They are facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorist activities and concealing information connected to the attack.

According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026, the Federal Government alleged that Muhammad and Abbas directed members of the Ansaru group to carry out kidnappings and killings in different parts of the country if they were arrested.

The prosecution alleged that the planned attacks were intended to pressure the government into meeting demands linked to the defendants’ alleged detention.

The Federal Government further accused the defendants of involvement in the Oriire school abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the affected Oyo community and abducted pupils, teachers and other residents.

The affected schools included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The attack raised renewed concerns about school security and the safety of pupils, teachers and communities, particularly in rural areas facing growing security challenges.

The prosecution also alleged that the abduction resulted in the deaths of Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, who were among the victims taken during the attack.

According to the charge, the two victims were allegedly killed while in captivity.

The DSS further accused the defendants of concealing information about the planned attack and failing to disclose intelligence that could have assisted security agencies in preventing or responding to the alleged terrorist operation.

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Umar, Musa and Sani were separately accused of conspiracy and aiding the alleged kidnapping and killings.

Following the defendants’ not-guilty pleas, counsel for the prosecution, Dr Caliatus Eze, asked the court to remand them in the protective custody of the DSS pending trial.

Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the application and ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody.

The judge also directed that the defendants be granted unhindered access to their lawyers and two members of their immediate families, while receiving adequate medical care.

Justice Ibrahim subsequently adjourned the case until September 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

The Oriire school attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers invaded schools in the community and abducted about 46 pupils, teachers and other victims.

The victims spent nearly two months in captivity before security agencies carried out an intelligence-led operation that led to the rescue of most of those abducted.

The rescue operation reportedly involved coordinated efforts by security and intelligence agencies, supported by local security groups and community stakeholders.

The Federal Government has linked the attack to Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist group believed to have ties to Al-Qaeda.

The arraignment followed earlier convictions involving other suspects connected to terrorism-related offences. Earlier in July, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced senior Ansaru commanders to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including terrorism financing, kidnapping and related crimes.

Meanwhile, retired and serving staff members of the University of Ibadan (UI) have donated about ₦6 million to rescued pupils and teachers, as well as families who lost relatives during the Oriire school attack.

The donation was presented at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, as part of efforts to support survivors and bereaved families.

Chairman of the University of Ibadan ad hoc committee on support for the rescued victims, Prof Ezekiel Ayoola, said the intervention reflected the academic community’s solidarity with those affected by the attack.

He explained that the funds were raised through voluntary contributions from members of the academic community, including former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor Prof Kayode Adebowale, Bowen University Vice-Chancellor Prof Jonathan Babalola, professors and early-career academics.

Ayoola said the donation was intended to complement ongoing rehabilitation efforts and assure the survivors and bereaved families that they had not been forgotten.

He noted that although the victims had regained their freedom, some were still dealing with the psychological and emotional effects of their experiences.

According to him, sustained mental health support, educational assistance and financial intervention would be important in helping the survivors recover and rebuild their lives.

The academic community also commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies for the coordinated operation that led to the rescue of the victims.

The Inspector-General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone, Mr Olubunmi Adisa, described the donation as a significant demonstration of compassion and social responsibility.

The symbolic presentation was made to rescued teachers, pupils and bereaved families by members of the University of Ibadan delegation.

The case remains before the court, and the five defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

DSS arraigns five suspected Ansaru members over Oyo school abduction, alleged killings

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PFIPC probe: HoS admits failure to verify recruitment documents

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July 30, 2026

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PFIPC probe: HoS admits failure to verify recruitment documents
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Didi Esther Walson-Jack

PFIPC probe: HoS admits failure to verify recruitment documents

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has admitted that her office did not carry out adequate due diligence before approving an authorised establishment and recruitment waiver linked to the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Walson-Jack made the admission while appearing before a House of Representatives committee investigating the activities of the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

The committee is examining allegations surrounding the PFIPC’s operations, legal status and the circumstances under which the organisation obtained official government recognition, staffing approvals and access to the federal budget process.

During the hearing, the Head of Service said her office relied on documents submitted by representatives of the PEAC/PFIPC, including a purported Letter of Appointment and Establishment Act, without independently confirming their authenticity.

According to her, the documents presented and the engagements held with representatives of the organisation formed the basis for the issuance of an Authorised Establishment and a subsequent Recruitment Waiver.

“My office received the Letter of Appointment and the Establishment Act and, based on those documents and also based on the interaction with the representatives of the PEAC and PFICP, we went on to issue the Authorised Establishment and later the Recruitment Waiver,” Walson-Jack said.

The HoS, however, acknowledged that her office should have conducted more comprehensive checks before granting the approvals.

“We now, having seen all the facts and observed all the documents, concede that we ought to have carried out more due diligence in the discharge of the duties of the office in issuing an Authorised Establishment and a Recruitment Waiver to the PEAC/PFICP,” she said.

Walson-Jack explained that the previous existence of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council as an ad hoc body may have contributed to the confusion surrounding the documents submitted to her office.

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She said the documents presented carried the combined designation PEAC/PFIPC, but admitted that stronger verification procedures could have helped establish whether the documents were genuine before the approvals were issued.

“We do know that the PEAC used to exist as an ad hoc organisation on its own, and the documents that were presented had PEAC/PFICP. However, as I said, due diligence may have detected whether those documents were actually authentic,” she added.

The House committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, is investigating how the PFIPC obtained an authorised staffing structure, a recruitment waiver, an administrative budget code and budgetary provisions despite questions surrounding its legal foundation.

The investigation is also expected to establish whether the approvals resulted from administrative lapses, misrepresentation, document forgery or other irregularities.

The PFIPC controversy gained national attention after the organisation reportedly appeared in the 2026 federal budget with an allocation of about ₦1.3 billion.

The Budget Office of the Federation has maintained that it relied on official documents and approvals issued by relevant government institutions while processing the council’s budget request.

The Budget Office reportedly said the PFIPC initially requested about ₦3.85 billion for personnel costs. However, the office said it independently calculated a lower personnel requirement of approximately ₦802.98 million based on the approved staffing structure, recruitment waiver and applicable public-service salary framework.

The office also maintained that it did not approve the recruitment of personnel for the council and did not issue the administrative budget code.

The Head of Service had earlier stated that her office did not deploy civil servants to the PFIPC or allocate office space to the organisation.

According to her, a request for the deployment of personnel was received but was not approved, while the office space reportedly used by the council was not allocated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The HoS said the controversy had exposed gaps in the document verification process and highlighted the need for stronger internal controls across public institutions.

She indicated that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service would review its approval procedures and introduce additional safeguards to ensure that documents submitted by government bodies are properly authenticated.

The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen due diligence, improve legal and administrative review processes and reduce the risk of unauthorised organisations obtaining official government approvals.

The House committee is expected to continue hearing from relevant government institutions before reaching its final conclusions and making recommendations.

As of the time of filing this report, the committee had not announced any final finding of wrongdoing against any individual or government institution.

PFIPC probe: HoS admits failure to verify recruitment documents

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