In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Eno Eze, the dismissed civil servants 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).

According to the state government, 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.

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Eze also stated that those who were formally indicted would be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

He said the dismissals demonstrated the administration’s commitment to transparency and a “zero tolerance for corruption in public service”.

The government called on civil servants to report suspected irregularities through confidential channels.

Source: Channels