The Abia State Government has dismissed six officials of the Ministry of Justice after uncovering a salary fraud scheme allegedly perpetrated by the workers.
Their dismissal followed an internal audit and administrative inquiry which revealed that the officers manipulated payroll systems to draw excess salaries.
The action was contained in a statement signed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze.
Those affected 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).
The statement explained that the disciplinary action came after the Civil Service Commission independently reviewed financial records and interrogated the affected officers, concluding that they had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.”
It, however, clarified that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was exonerated after she promptly reported the overpayment and made efforts 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.
The Commission said those indicted would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Eze stressed that the dismissals underline the administration’s resolve to entrench transparency and uphold its “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.” He also urged workers to use confidential channels to report suspected financial malpractices.
The development comes days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Christopher Enweremadu, wanted over alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.