The decision, announced on Thursday, September 4, 2025, came after a thorough investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission into allegations of payroll manipulation.

The probe revealed that the sacked officials—Dickson Uche Eze (Principal Accountant), Esther Emeruwa (Senior Accountant), Ijeoma Jonathan (Chief Executive Officer, Accounts), Treasure Isinguzo (Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Accounts), Chioma Victoria Erondu (Principal Executive Officer, Accounts), and Hannah Ezinne Eze (Senior Executive Officer, General Duties)—had inflated salary records to unlawfully collect excess payments. 

The fraudulent activities resulted in significant financial losses to the state.

In a statement, the Civil Service Commission highlighted Governor Alex Otti’s directive to ensure accountability, noting that the dismissed workers will face prosecution by law enforcement agencies. 

The Commission also cleared one official, Chioma Favour Madu, who reported her overpayment and took steps to refund it, demonstrating integrity.

Concerns were raised about potential involvement of some members of the Salary Committee, prompting Governor Otti to order a separate investigation into their activities. 

The government reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and enhancing transparency within the civil service.

The Abia State Government urged civil servants and the public to report any suspected irregularities to safeguard the system.