By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice after an internal audit and administrative inquiry found that they manipulated payroll systems to receive excess salaries.
The dismissals are contained in a statement signed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze.
The sacked civil servants are: Mr. Dickson Uche Eze, a 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) and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
The state government explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the State Civil Service Commission, which independently reviewed financial records and interrogated the officers before concluding they had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.”
“The government notes, however, that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, also initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing, having promptly reported the overpayment and taken immediate steps to correct it.
“Additionally, the investigation raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme.
“The governor has directed that the activities of the committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability,” the statement added.
Those formally indicted will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Eze said the dismissals demonstrate the administration’s commitment to transparency and a “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”
He urged civil servants to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.
Newsmen reports that the development comes few days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, wanted in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.