Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice after an internal audit and administrative inquiry uncovered alleged payroll manipulation that enabled them to receive excess salaries.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, said the affected officers included: a Principal Accountant (SGL 12), Senior Accountant (SGL 10), Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14), Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13), Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12), and a Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
According to the government, the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation in which financial records were reviewed and the officers interrogated. The commission concluded that they had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.”
Eze noted that one officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing after she promptly reported an overpayment and took steps to correct it.
The government also disclosed that the probe raised concerns about the possible complicity of members of the state Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme. Governor Alex Otti has therefore directed that the committee’s activities be subjected to a separate investigation “to ensure full accountability.”
Eze added that those indicted would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
He stressed that the dismissals underscored the administration’s “zero tolerance for corruption in public service” and its commitment to transparency.
The government urged civil servants to report any suspected irregularities through confidential channels.
