The Abia State Government has dismissed six employees of the Ministry of Justice following an internal investigation that uncovered a salary padding scheme.
The decision was announced on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, who stated that the disciplinary action came after a comprehensive audit and administrative inquiry.
According to the commission, the investigation revealed that the affected officers manipulated payroll systems to illegally receive excess salaries over a sustained period.
The six civil servants dismissed for their involvement in the fraudulent activities are:
- 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)
The commission found that the individuals “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments,” which cost the state financially.
The statement clarified that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was found not guilty.
She had promptly reported an overpayment in her salary and took steps to return the excess amount, earning her exoneration from the probe.
The investigation also raised red flags concerning the Salary Committee, suggesting that some of its members may have played a role in enabling the fraudulent practices.
As a result, Governor Alex Otti has ordered a separate probe into the committee’s activities to determine any further culpability.
Pastor Eze emphasized that those found guilty would be handed over to law enforcement for prosecution, reiterating the government’s zero tolerance for corruption.
“This firm action demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance,” the statement read.
