Abia State Cracks Down on Pension Fraud, Plans Repatriation of Overseas Suspects Amid Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Abia State government has detained several civil servants implicated in various pension fraud schemes, with plans to charge them in court shortly. Additionally, pensioners involved in these fraud cases who are currently based overseas are being repatriated to face charges in Nigeria.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this information on Thursday night at Government House Umuahia during his monthly media briefing with journalists. He commented on the situation, even addressing those who defended one of the detained suspects. "My question is somebody stole and I arrested him, and you went to the press to say I shouldn’t arrest a thief, that means you are a thief," Otti remarked, emphasizing his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

According to the governor, about 10 or 11 individuals are under investigation, with some of them currently residing abroad. "We are going to repatriate them to answer to their sins,” he stated, affirming the government’s commitment to pursuing justice.

Despite student protests, Otti also affirmed that the decision to move Abia State University’s Umuahia campus back to its main campus in Uturu would stand. He assured that proper accommodations, water supply, and modern facilities would be provided in Uturu, stating that the decision was made in the students' best interests.

Addressing the prolonged blackout in Ohafia, Otti highlighted the establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority as a recent government initiative aimed at improving the area and meeting local needs.

In addition, Otti mentioned that he has directed the State’s Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant General to address errors in civil servants' pay records, pledging to resolve outstanding issues promptly.