The Ondo State Government on Sunday suspended three senior officials over their alleged involvement in a job scam tied to the recent recruitment of teachers in the state.

The affected officials — two directors and a deputy director were suspended on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pending the outcome of an investigation into the job racketeering scandal.

Though their names were not disclosed, findings revealed that the officials allegedly collected between N500,000 and N700,000 from unsuspecting job seekers, depending on their qualifications.

The controversy erupted last week after some individuals protested their exclusion from the ongoing biometric verification of newly recruited teachers. It was later discovered that they had presented forged appointment letters.

In a statement, the government clarified that the protesters were not among the over 2,000 teachers legitimately recruited, who have since resumed duty.

Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said investigations showed that three insiders at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) connived with outsiders to issue fake appointment and posting letters in exchange for money.

“The attention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been drawn to reports of a protest by individuals claiming to have been denied employment during the recent recruitment of teachers by the Ondo State Government through SUBEB.

“To clarify, those who protested were not employed teachers but applicants defrauded by scammers who issued fake employment and posting letters after collecting money from them.

“These defrauded applicants were identified during the biometric verification process and informed that their letters were fake.

“Already, disciplinary action has been taken against three SUBEB insiders who allegedly colluded with external individuals to defraud the applicants,” Adeniyan stated.