The Abia State Government has dismissed six staff of the Ministry of Justice after they were indicted in a salary padding scandal uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
The affected officers were found guilty of manipulating the payroll system, which enabled them to unlawfully receive excess salaries over a sustained period. Those dismissed 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)
- Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09)
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Pst. Eno Jerry Eze (PhD), the disciplinary action followed a comprehensive investigation by the Commission.
“The Commission independently interrogated the officers, reviewed relevant financial records, and confirmed that the above-named individuals had knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the State,” the statement read.
However, the Government cleared Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially investigated, after it was confirmed that she promptly reported the overpayment and took immediate steps to correct it.
The investigation also raised red flags about the possible complicity of members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme. Governor Alex Otti has directed that the activities of the Committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability.
Those indicted and dismissed are to be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Pst. Eze stressed that the action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in public service.
“This decisive action underscores the commitment of the present administration to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in public service. The Government wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its effort to rid the system of all forms of fraudulent malpractice and unethical conduct,” he said.
The Commission urged all civil servants and stakeholders in the public sector to uphold integrity and report any suspected irregularities through appropriate and confidential channels.
