The Abia State Government has terminated the employment of six officials from the Ministry of Justice following an internal audit and administrative investigation, which revealed that they had tampered with the payroll system to unlawfully increase their salaries.
This action was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze.
The dismissed officials include: 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); and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
The state government explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the State Civil Service Commission, which independently reviewed financial records and interrogated the officers before concluding they had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.”
“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.
Those formally indicted will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Eze said the dismissals demonstrate the administration’s commitment to transparency and a “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”
He urged civil servants to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.