EFCC charges ex-Abia governor Theodore Orji, son, others for suspected N60.85bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Friday arraigned a former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji and four others before Justice Lilian Abai of the Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia on a 16- count charge bordering on money laundering.

The ex-governor will face trial with his son, Chinedum Orji; a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; Philip Nto; Onwumene King Obioma; and Romanus Madu.

EFCC noted that the 16-count charge against them includes stealing, official corruption, and criminal conspiracy.

According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, the alleged offences contravene Sections 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

According to the Commission, one of the charges states that between 2011 and 2015, the defendants allegedly stole and converted ₦22.5 billion in security votes belonging to the Abia State Government. Another charge alleges that between 2010 and 2011, they conspired to divert ₦12 billion from the state’s share of the Paris Club refund.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. EFCC’s counsel, Pinheiro, urged the court to set a trial date.

Meanwhile, defence counsels, including Bode Olanipekun and Oke Amaechi, applied for bail on behalf of their clients.

Abai granted each defendant bail at ₦50 million, with one surety in like sum.

The surety, according to the statement, must own a landed property in Umuahia, provide a Certificate of Occupancy, and submit an affidavit of means along with two passport photographs.

The defendants were also ordered to surrender their international passports.

The case was adjourned to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.