Six Ministry of Justice officers were fired by the Abia State Government after an administrative investigation and internal audit revealed that they had tampered with payroll systems to obtain excessive compensation.
Eno Eze, the chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, signed a statement on Thursday that included the dismissals.
The sacked civil servants are Mr. Dickson Uche Eze, a 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); and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
Following a thorough investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, which independently examined financial records and questioned the officers before coming to the conclusion that they had “knowingly benefited from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state,” the state government clarified that the disciplinary action was taken.
“The government notes, however, that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, also initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing, having promptly reported the overpayment and taken immediate steps to correct it.
“Additionally, the investigation raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme.
“The governor has directed that the activities of the committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability,” the statement added.
Eze said the dismissals show the administration’s commitment to transparency and a “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”
He encouraged civil servants in Abia state to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.
Those who have been formally indicted will be turned over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
The development comes a few days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
