Abia State Dismisses Six Ministry of Justice Officers Over Payroll Fraud

The Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice following an internal audit and administrative inquiry that revealed they manipulated payroll systems to receive excess salaries.

The announcement was made in a statement signed on Thursday by Eno Eze, Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission.

The dismissed officers are: Dickson Uche Eze, Principal Accountant (SGL 12); Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10); Ijeoma Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14); Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13); Chioma Victoria Erondu, Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12); and Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).

According to the statement, the disciplinary action followed a thorough investigation by the Civil Service Commission, which reviewed financial records and interrogated the officers. The inquiry concluded that they had knowingly benefited from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.

Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing after she promptly reported an overpayment and took immediate steps to correct it.

The investigation also raised concerns about the possible involvement of some members of the Salary Committee in the scheme. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed a separate probe into the committee to ensure full accountability.

The officers found culpable will be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Eze stated that the dismissals reflect the government’s commitment to transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in public service, urging civil servants to report any suspected irregularities through confidential channels.

The development comes days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.