Six Abia Justice Ministry Officers Fired for Salary Padding

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

In a statement issued on Thursday, Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, said those affected include a Principal Accountant, a Senior Accountant, a Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), an Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), a Principal Executive Officer (Accounts), and a Senior Executive Officer (General Duties).

Eze explained that the disciplinary action followed a thorough investigation that reviewed financial records and interrogated the officers, concluding that they knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments at the expense of the state.

The Commission clarified that one officer earlier investigated, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, was exonerated after evidence showed she promptly reported an overpayment and took steps to correct it.

The inquiry also raised concerns about the possible complicity of members of the Salary Committee, prompting Governor Alex Otti to order a separate probe into its activities to ensure full accountability.

Eze said the dismissed officers would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution, stressing that the action reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public service.

“This decisive action underscores the commitment of the present administration to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in public service,” the statement read.

The government urged civil servants to uphold ethical standards and to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.