Abia State Government has dismissed six staff members of the Ministry of Justice after they were found guilty of involvement in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit.
According to a statement issued by the government on Thursday, the affected officers were indicted for manipulating the payroll system, which enabled them to unlawfully receive excess salaries over a sustained period.
Those dismissed are:
- Mr. Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12)
- Mrs. Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10)
- Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 14)
- Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 13)
- Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 12)
- Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties, SGL 09)
The disciplinary action followed an investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, which interrogated the officers, reviewed financial records, and confirmed their involvement in the fraud.
However, another officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially under investigation, was cleared of wrongdoing after she promptly reported the overpayment and took immediate steps to correct it.
The government also disclosed that the probe raised concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee.
Governor Alex Otti has therefore ordered a separate investigation into the committee’s activities to ensure full accountability.
The dismissed officers are to be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
“This decisive action underscores our administration’s commitment to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in the public service,” the statement read.
The government also urged civil servants to uphold integrity and report suspected irregularities through proper channels.
