Umuahia, February 28, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, and four others before the Abia State High Court in Umuahia over an alleged ₦60.85 billion fraud.
The accused include Orji’s son, Engr. Chinedum Orji, along with Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu. They are facing a 16-count charge of money laundering, financial mismanagement, and misappropriation of state funds.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria filed the case, accusing the defendants of illegally diverting funds meant for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), ecological projects, security votes, Paris Club refunds, and state loans between 2010 and 2015.
One of the charges states that in 2015, the defendants conspired to steal ₦2 billion allocated to SMEs in Abia State. Another charge accuses them of misappropriating ₦22.5 billion in security votes between 2011 and 2015.
Other allegations include:
– ₦850 million meant for ecological projects in 2013.
– ₦12 billion from the Paris Club Refunds between 2010 and 2011.
– ₦13 billion from a loan granted by Diamond Bank in 2015.
– ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the Abia State Local Government Councils in 2012.
The case was brought before Justice Lilian Abai, and the EFCC has insisted on a thorough investigation. The prosecution alleges that the former governor and his co-defendants abused their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of the state.
Legal analysts believe the trial could set a precedent for financial accountability in Nigerian governance.
The defendants have yet to enter formal pleas, and the trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks. The EFCC has vowed to pursue justice and recover stolen public funds.
The case has sparked public outrage, with many citizens calling for stricter penalties for corrupt public officials. Advocacy groups have urged the judiciary to ensure transparency and fairness in the trial.
The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant political and legal implications. If found guilty, the accused could face lengthy prison sentences and asset forfeitures. The trial continues as Nigerians watch closely.
