Six employees of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health have been arrested for allegedly stealing government property.
The suspects were apprehended late Saturday night at the ministry’s premises while attempting to transport stolen items to be sold.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.
The statement revealed that the arrested individuals, including one Mr. Ndukwe Ayansi, were accused of diverting materials intended for the Ministry of Health.
Governor Nwifuru, who was en route to inspect a project, noticed a Toyota Dyna truck being loaded with government registers, books, and other items from the ministry’s warehouse.
Upon further inspection, he found that the truck was carrying patients’ data registers, hospital cards, and other sensitive documents.
The statement also confirmed that the stolen documents had been sold without government approval.
At the scene, Governor Nwifuru condemned the theft, calling it an act of sabotage against the state’s efforts to improve its healthcare system.
He expressed disappointment, saying, “While our hospitals in rural areas lack essential materials like registers and hospital cards, you are selling government property. This act undermines our health reforms and will not be tolerated.”
The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
