The Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, has faulted the claim by his predecessor, David Shikfu Paradang, that he knew nothing about the 2014 recruitment where over 20 applicants died in a stampede.

Paradang, had while testifying recently as the first prosecution witness in the trial of former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and three others before the Federal High Court, Abuja, denied his involvement in the exercise.

But, Babandede at an interactive session with reporters yesterday in Abuja dismissed the claim, saying his predecessor ordered the recruitment which has since been cancelled by the current administration.

The exercise had resulted in the engagement of some 2,000 people who recently protested their continued shut-out by the Service.

“The Immigration at that time under former Comptroller-General David Paradang directed the DCG, Human Resources to issue letters to those junior and some senior officers,” he maintained.

Babandede added that he was set to right the wrong, saying the situation could be salvaged if certain conditions were met.

“The recruitment was illegal but it is not their fault (the applicants). They are victims of circumstances. I am committed to finding a solution. I invited their representatives for a meeting in our office with the permission of the Minister,” he added.

Babandede further said: “Since I came on board, I have been pushing to ensure that anybody who is going to be recruited must pass security clearance and drug test.’’