The Abia State Government has dismissed six staff of the Ministry of Justice for their roles in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
Governor Alex Otti has also ordered a probe of the state’s Salary Committee over possible complicity in the fraud.
The Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Eze, disclosed the dismissals in a statement on Thursday.
She said the indicted workers manipulated the payroll system, leading to unlawful receipt of excess salaries over a sustained period.
Pastor Eze explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation in which the commission independently interrogated the officers, reviewed financial records, and confirmed their complicity in the fraud.
She added that a seventh staff member, Chioma Madu, was cleared of wrongdoing after promptly reporting her overpayment and taking steps to correct it.
“The investigation also raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee.
The governor has directed that the committee’s activities be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability,” she stated.
According to her, those dismissed will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
She stressed that the government’s action demonstrates its zero tolerance for corruption in the civil service.
“We urge all civil servants and stakeholders in the public sector to remain committed to integrity and to report any suspected irregularities through appropriate and confidential channels,” she added.
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