Six employees of the state's Ministry of Justice who were implicated in a pay padding scam have been fired, according to the Abia government.  

Dr. Eno Jerry-Eze, the chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, signed the press release on Thursday, and newsmen in Umuahia were given access to it on Friday.  

According to Jerry-Eze, the fraud was discovered during an administrative investigation and internal audit at the Ministry of Justice.  "Over time, the six individuals gained unauthorized access to salaries that exceeded their entitlements by manipulating payroll systems," she said.

A Principal Accountant (SGL 12), a Senior Accountant (SGL 10), and a Chief Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 14) are among the employees who were let go.  A Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09), a Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12), and an Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13) were also included.  

According to Jerry-Eze, the Abia State Civil Service Commission conducted a thorough investigation and spoke with the impacted employees before taking the disciplinary action.  

The personnel intentionally profited from irregular wage payments at the state's cost, she continued, adding that pertinent financial records were examined.

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