Otti sacks 6 Abia workers over salary fraud

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the dismissal of six staff members of the state’s Ministry of Justice who were indicted in a salary padding fraud.

The Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Dr Eno Jerry-Eze, announced this via a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Jerry-Eze said the fraud was uncovered while conducting an internal audit and administrative inquiry at the Ministry of Justice.

Jerry-Eze noted that the six individuals manipulated payroll systems, which gave them unauthorised access to salaries exceeding their entitlements over time.

The sacked workers include Principal Accountant (SGL 12) Dickson Eze, Senior Accountant (SGL 10) Esther Emeruwa, and Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14) Ijeoma Jonathan.

‎Others are Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13) Treasure Isinguzo, Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12) Chioma Erondu, and Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09) Hannah Eze.

‎Jerry-Eze said the disciplinary action resulted from a detailed investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, which interviewed the affected workers.

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She added that relevant financial records were reviewed, confirming that the workers knowingly benefited from irregular salary payments at the state’s expense.

‎She noted that Chioma Madu, who was also investigated, was cleared of complicity in the fraud because she promptly reported being overpaid and took steps to correct it.

Jerry-Eze said the indicted workers will be handed over to a relevant law enforcement agency for prosecution.

She added that Governor Otti had directed that the activities of some members of the salary committee be investigated to ensure full accountability.

Jerry-Eze urged all civil servants and other persons having dealings with the state to maintain integrity and report suspected irregularities.

The Star