According to the EFCC, intelligence received in 2016 implicated Theodore Orji, who served two terms as governor and later as senator representing Abia Central, in financial misconduct involving the diversion of Abia State funds.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim freezing and forfeiture of N228.4 million linked to former Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State to the Federal Government over allegations of money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), directed the agency to publish the order on its website and in the Daily Trust newspaper. The court instructed any interested parties to show cause within 14 days of the publication why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the government.
The EFCC’s motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025, was brought under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The commission claimed the money, domiciled in a Keystone Bank account, was suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court adjourned the matter to February 3, 2025, for a compliance report.
EFCC Alleges Diversion of Public Funds
The EFCC alleged that Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company linked to Orji’s administration, conspired with the former governor, his family members, and other officials to launder public funds.
According to the EFCC, intelligence received in 2016 implicated Orji, who served two terms as governor and later as senator representing Abia Central, in financial misconduct involving the diversion of Abia State funds. Investigations revealed Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a sewage and waste disposal company, was allegedly used to siphon funds from government accounts.
Tahir Ahmed, a litigation officer with the EFCC, stated that the firm collaborated with Keystone Bank officials to channel funds from Abia State’s accounts into private accounts. These accounts were then used to withdraw cash, which was handed over to the former governor’s associates.
Ahmed added that the bank’s Divisional Head in Umuahia, Austin Akuma, admitted to playing a key role in the scheme. Akuma reportedly facilitated the distribution of funds to various accounts before delivering cash to Erondu Uchenna Erondu, a former Special Adviser in the Abia State Government.
The EFCC argued that the N228.4 million balance in the account must be preserved to prevent its dissipation while investigations continue. Justice Nwite, agreeing with the EFCC’s position, described the application as meritorious and granted the interim forfeiture order.
Further investigations into the alleged diversion of funds and money laundering activities are ongoing.
Join our Channel...