Former IPPIS Desk Officer Confesses to Bribery Allegations

In a startling turn of events, Haruna Kolo, a former Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) desk officer at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has admitted to allegations of bribery involving job seekers in exchange for employment.

Kolo revealed during a House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigation that he had indeed collected substantial sums from desperate job seekers, following instructions from the FCC Chairman.

The investigation delves into the mismanagement of the IPPIS, federal ministries, departments, agencies, parastatals, and tertiary institutions. Kolo’s confession, made under oath, shed light on a corrupt scheme involving the exchange of bribes for employment opportunities.

Kolo detailed the extent of his involvement, stating that he had received over N75 million from job seekers who were eager to secure positions. He asserted that the FCC Chairman directed him to deposit the funds into his personal account and subsequently deliver the money in cash to her. This transaction, he revealed, was conducted on multiple occasions, with the funds transferred using point-of-sale (POS) machines.

The former desk officer, who later resigned from the FCC to join the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), acknowledged that his involvement led to him receiving salaries from both institutions. He stated that he reported the anomaly to the Human Resource Officer at FCC, who assured him that the issue would be rectified.

Kolo’s revelations also touched on his role in the employment process at IPPIS. He highlighted that the Chairman’s influence was significant, as no candidate could be considered for employment without a letter from her or the Human Resource Officer. The Chairman’s instructions dictated that only letters signed by her would be honored by the Accountant General of the Federation.

Kolo’s testimony delved further into his subsequent employment at AMCON, where he mentioned a personal favor from the FCC Chairman in securing a job for himself and others. He discussed how his involvement led to the rejection of a candidate who happened to be the Chairman’s biological sister, an incident that apparently triggered the Chairman’s accusations against him.

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Amidst Kolo’s disclosures, he expressed concerns about his safety and alleged threats he had faced due to his involvement in the case. He urged the committee to hold the FCC Chairperson responsible if any harm were to befall him after his testimony.

The chairman of the investigative committee, Yusuf Gagdi, assured that the truth would be unveiled and justice served. He vowed to hold individuals accountable for any financial wrongdoing and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.

The committee adjourned the sitting until the next day, promising to continue its pursuit of truth and fairness in the case.