The Abia State Government has sacked six staff of the Ministry of Justice after an internal audit uncovered their involvement in manipulating payroll systems to collect inflated salaries.
The dismissals were confirmed in a statement on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze.
Those affected include Dickson Uche Eze, Principal Accountant (SGL 12); Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10); Ijeoma Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14); Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13); Chioma Victoria Erondu, Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12); and Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
According to the commission, the disciplinary action followed a thorough investigation which confirmed that the officers had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.” Each officer was interrogated before the decision was reached.
The government, however, cleared another officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, of any wrongdoing, noting that she had promptly reported an overpayment and took immediate steps to refund the excess.
The statement also disclosed that Governor Alex Otti has ordered a probe into the Salary Committee over possible complicity in the fraud.
“Those found culpable will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution,” it added.
Eze stressed that the decision underscores the government’s zero tolerance for corruption and urged public servants to report any irregularities through confidential channels.
The development comes just days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Christopher Enweremadu, wanted for alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.