Six employees of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health have been arrested for allegedly stealing government property, including critical health sector documents.
The suspects were reportedly caught on Saturday night at the ministry’s premises while attempting to load and transport the stolen items for sale.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.
“Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of one Mr. Ndukwe Ayansi and five others for allegedly diverting materials meant for the State’s Ministry of Health,” the statement read.
Governor Nwifuru, who was en route to inspect a project, noticed a Toyota Dyna truck being loaded with items at the ministry’s warehouse. Upon investigation, he found that patient data registers, hospital cards, and other essential documents were being moved into the truck.
“It was also discovered that all the documents had been sold without government approval,” the statement added.
Speaking at the scene, the governor expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as sabotage against ongoing efforts to improve the health sector.
“You are selling government documents without approval on a Saturday afternoon. Our hospitals in rural areas are in need of registers, data entry forms, and hospital cards. Sadly, the ones provided by the government are being sold by you. This is pure sabotage to our efforts in the health sector, and it will not be tolerated,” Governor Nwifuru said.
The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in all sectors of the state.
