The Abia State Government has dismissed six staff of the Ministry of Justice after they were indicted in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
According to a dismissal letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, Ph.D., the affected officers were found guilty of manipulating payroll systems and unlawfully receiving excess salaries over an extended period.
Those dismissed are:
1. Mr. Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12)
2. Mrs. Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10)
3. Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14)
4. Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13)
5. Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12)
6. Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09)
The Commission confirmed, after interrogating the officers and reviewing financial records, that they knowingly benefitted from the irregular payments to the detriment of the state.
However, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing. She was found to have promptly reported the overpayment and taken immediate steps to rectify it.
The Government also raised concerns about possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee and has directed a separate probe into its activities to ensure full accountability.
The dismissed officers will be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
The government emphasized that the action reflects its commitment to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in the public service. It urged civil servants and stakeholders to uphold integrity and report suspected irregularities through proper confidential channels.
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