The Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice after uncovering a payroll fraud that allowed them to manipulate salary records for personal gain.
The decision followed an internal audit and administrative inquiry, which revealed that the affected officers deliberately altered payroll systems to collect excess salaries.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, confirmed the dismissals, stressing that the move underscores the state’s “zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.”
Those affected include Dickson Uche Eze, a 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).
The government explained that the disciplinary measures came after a painstaking review of financial records and interrogation of the officers involved. One officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, was cleared of wrongdoing after evidence showed she had promptly reported an overpayment and took steps to correct it.
The investigation also raised concerns about possible complicity by some members of the state’s Salary Committee. Officials found culpable will be referred to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to transparency and accountability. We urge civil servants to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels,” Eze said.
The development comes just days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared a former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Christopher Enweremadu, wanted over alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
