Abia Govt Wields Big Stick, Sacks 6 Over Payroll Fraud

The Abia State Government has dismissed six civil servants from the Ministry of Justice after an internal audit uncovered their involvement in a salary padding scheme.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, the government said the officers were found guilty of manipulating the payroll system to unlawfully receive excess salaries over time.

Those affected 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); and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer, General Duties (SGL 09).

Eze explained that the disciplinary action followed an exhaustive review of payroll records and testimonies before the commission.

“The government will not tolerate fraudulent practices in the civil service. Those found culpable have been dismissed and will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution,” the statement read.

The commission also announced that another staff member, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially investigated, had been cleared of wrongdoing. Madu was said to have promptly reported the overpayment and taken steps to rectify it.

Governor Alex Otti has directed that members of the Salary Committee be investigated separately to ensure full accountability in the state’s payroll system.

The government assured residents that measures are being strengthened to block loopholes in the civil service and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in public finance management.