6 civil servants sacked over payroll fraud

Six civil servants attached to the Ministry of Justice in Abia State have been dismissed after an internal audit and administrative inquiry uncovered that they allegedly manipulated payroll systems to collect inflated salaries.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, the affected officials, included a 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) and a Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).

The statement explained that the disciplinary action followed a thorough probe by the Civil Service Commission, which 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 government said in the statement on Thursday.

Eze added that those formally indicted would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

He stressed that the dismissals underscored the administration’s drive for transparency and its “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”

The government also urged civil servants to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.