The Abia State Government has dismissed six workers in the Ministry of Justice after they were found guilty of manipulating the state’s payroll system to receive salaries above their entitlements.
The Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Eno Jerry-Eze, disclosed this in a statement issued in Umuahia on Friday. She explained that the fraud was uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
According to her, the investigation revealed that the officials deliberately exploited salary records for personal gain, thereby defrauding the state.
Those dismissed include Dickson Eze, a Principal Accountant (SGL 12); Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10); and Ijeoma Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14).
Others are Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13); Chioma Erondu, Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12); and Hannah Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
Mrs. Jerry-Eze added that the commission reviewed financial documents and interviewed the indicted officers, which confirmed that they had knowingly benefited from irregular payments.
She noted that another officer, Chioma Madu, who was initially investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing after she promptly reported being overpaid and took corrective measures.
The civil service boss said the six dismissed workers would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
She warned public servants against sharp practices, urging them to uphold integrity and report any irregularities in the system.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti has directed that members of the state’s salary committee be placed under investigation to ensure accountability and prevent further abuse of the system.
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