By Ayodele Popoola
The Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has strongly refuted a viral online report alleging that its Head of Human Resources, Mrs. Jemilat Yusuf, was arrested by an anti-graft agency over a ₦900 million fraud.
In a statement released in Akure on Tuesday, ODIRS management described the publication titled “ODIRS HR Head, Jemilat Yusuf, Nabbed by Anti-Graft Agency Over Alleged ₦900 Million Fraud” as “entirely false and misleading,” saying it was a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the agency and its officials.
“No staff member of ODIRS, including Mrs. Jemilat Yusuf, has been arrested, detained, or investigated by any anti-graft agency for financial misconduct,” the statement read.
The agency maintained that the allegation of a ₦900 million fraud was baseless and lacked any factual or financial foundation. It reaffirmed that ODIRS operates a transparent financial management system subject to regular audits and strict compliance with Ondo State Government’s financial regulations.
Emphasising its commitment to professionalism and due process, ODIRS noted that staff appointments and promotions within the Service follow merit-based civil service procedures.
The management urged the public to disregard what it described as a “fabricated report” aimed at undermining the progress achieved under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan.
“This represents a calculated attempt by malicious individuals to undermine the ongoing reforms and significant progress being made in the service,” the statement added.
ODIRS further disclosed that it is taking steps to trace the origin of the false publication and will seek legal redress against those responsible for spreading the misinformation.
The Service reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining integrity, accountability, and service excellence in revenue administration for the sustainable development of Ondo State.