A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order to freeze and forfeit over ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji to the Federal Government.
The court’s decision comes amidst allegations of money laundering and diversion of public funds.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Represented by counsel Fadila Yusuf, the EFCC sought the freezing and forfeiture of the funds pending further investigation.
The judge directed the anti-graft agency to publish the interim order on its official website and in the Daily Trust newspaper to notify potential interested parties.
Justice Nwite stated that interested parties must show cause within 14 days of the publication if they oppose the forfeiture of the funds. The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025, for a compliance report.
The funds, totaling ₦228,497,773.12, are currently domiciled in a Keystone Bank account linked to Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company alleged to have been involved in fraudulent activities.
The EFCC initiated its investigation following an intelligence report received between 2016 and 2017.
According to the agency, Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a sewage and waste disposal company, was allegedly used as a front by Theodore Orji, members of his administration, and family members to launder funds belonging to the Abia State Government.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Effdee Nigeria Ltd received funds from Abia State Government accounts and distributed them to various individuals. The funds were reportedly withdrawn in cash and returned to government officials, including Erondu Uchenna Erondu, a Special Adviser to the former governor.
In a sworn statement, Austin Akuma, the Divisional Head of Keystone Bank in Umuahia, admitted to facilitating the transactions.
Akuma disclosed that he coordinated with Erondu to channel funds through Effdee Nigeria Ltd’s account. The funds were subsequently withdrawn by designated individuals and handed over to government officials at the Government House.
Documents submitted to the court include evidence of significant inflows into Effdee Nigeria Ltd’s Keystone Bank account from various state agencies. The account balance, as of the investigation, stood at ₦228,497,773.12.
The EFCC brought the motion under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Yusuf argued that the funds in question were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, including conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
Yusuf also emphasized the need to preserve the funds pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution. Justice Nwite, after reviewing the evidence, ruled that the EFCC’s application had merit and granted the prayers.
Mr. Theodore Orji, who served as Governor of Abia State for two terms before representing Abia Central Senatorial District as a senator, has not yet commented on the court’s decision. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.