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The Abia State Government has dismissed six senior officials from the Ministry of Justice following an internal audit that uncovered a salary padding scheme.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, the affected officers were found to have manipulated the payroll system to receive excess payments. Those dismissed include:
- 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)
- Senior Executive Officer, General Duties (SGL 09)
According to the Commission, the disciplinary action followed a thorough review of financial records and direct interrogation of the individuals involved. The investigation concluded that the officers knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments, causing financial losses to the state.
One officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, was cleared of any wrongdoing after she promptly reported an overpayment and took immediate steps to return the excess funds.
The statement also revealed that the investigation raised concerns about possible involvement of members of the Salary Committee, prompting Governor Alex Otti to order a separate probe into the committee’s activities to ensure full accountability.
Eze confirmed that all officials formally indicted will be handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
