Sacked JAMB Deputy Director Vows to Expose Corruption Amid Court Battle
Mr. Yisa Usman, a dismissed deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has reiterated his determination to expose alleged corruption within the organization despite facing threats and intimidation.
During a hearing before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, Usman testified as the sole witness in his suit challenging his dismissal by JAMB. He claimed that his termination was unjust and linked to his whistleblowing activities.
Under cross-examination by JAMB’s counsel, A. A. Owonikoko, Usman admitted to writing petitions to various government agencies accusing JAMB of financial and procedural misconduct. He listed entities such as the National Assembly, Attorney-General’s office, and anti-corruption agencies among the recipients of his complaints.
Usman acknowledged receiving queries from JAMB and an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee prior to his dismissal. However, he expressed doubts about the impartiality of the committee, alleging its members were implicated in the infractions he reported.
“I was not confident of a fair hearing because the committee included directors who benefited from the corrupt practices I exposed,” Usman stated. He also claimed ignorance of any steps taken by the JAMB registrar or the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) to recuse themselves from the committee’s deliberations.
Usman further alleged that his life was under threat, pointing fingers at the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and the DFA, Mr. Mufutau Bello. “If anything happens to me, they should be held responsible,” he told the court.
The ex-deputy director is seeking nine reliefs in his suit, including the annulment of his dismissal, reinstatement to his position, and payment of N150 million in damages.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae has adjourned the case to February 27 for JAMB to present its defense.
