The Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice over their involvement in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
The affected officers, found to have manipulated payroll systems to receive excess salaries, 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)
- Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09)
The disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, which independently reviewed financial records and interrogated the officers. Those indicted will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Notably, one officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, was cleared of wrongdoing after promptly reporting the overpayment and taking corrective action.
The Abia State Government emphasized its commitment to transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in public service.
Governor Alex Otti has directed a separate probe into the activities of the Salary Committee to ensure full accountability.
