The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to its retired workforce, alerting them to a sophisticated extortion scheme targeting pensioners during the processing of their gratuity payments.
Government Raises Alarm Over Longstanding Fraud
On Friday, January 16, the state administration publicly raised the alarm over allegations that some pensioners are being forced to pay off individuals posing as government officials. The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this disturbing development in a press statement released from Ibadan.
Oyelade warned that vulnerable retirees are the primary targets of these criminal networks, which have been operating within the system. He lamented that despite repeated warnings, some pensioners continue to fall victim to these predatory schemes.
How the Extortion Cartel Operates
The commissioner detailed the modus operandi of the cartel. According to him, retired civil and public servants are being asked to pay between five and ten per cent of their total gratuity entitlement to these groups. The fee is demanded under the false pretence of helping to "fast-track" the payment process.
Oyelade described the practice as a longstanding problem that has plagued the system for years. He revealed that the issue persisted even during the tenure of former Governor Lam Adesina and continues to affect unsuspecting pensioners today. The alleged schemes impact retirees from both the state civil service and the local government level.
Current Administration's Stance and Action
In his statement, Commissioner Oyelade insisted that the present state government is exercising "due diligence" in the payment of gratuities. He emphasized that the current system is more transparent and efficient than those of previous administrations.
The government is now actively pursuing the criminals behind this racket. "A cartel has been operating within the civil service and government is narrowing down on the criminals," Oyelade stated. He added a pointed message to those involved, saying, "those behind the extortions and their accomplices know themselves."
The government's alert serves as a crucial reminder for all pensioners in Oyo State to be vigilant and to report any demands for payment to facilitate their gratuity processing to the appropriate authorities.
