The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count charge against former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, and his son, Chinedum Orji, over the alleged misappropriation of ₦47 billion.
The case was brought before the Abia State High Court on Friday, where the former governor was arraigned alongside his son and three others: former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; government contractor, Obioma King; and former Director of Finance for the state, Romas Madu.
The EFCC accused the defendants of diverting ₦22.5 billion meant for security votes between 2011 and 2015. They were also charged with illegally taking ₦13 billion from a loan provided by the now-defunct Diamond Bank. Additionally, the commission claimed that ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund was unlawfully converted for personal use.
Further allegations included the misappropriation of ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan intended for the state and local governments, as well as ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds meant to support small and medium enterprises.
During the court proceedings, all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal team, led by senior lawyers Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Chikaosulu Ojukwu, SAN; K.I. Oleh; Okey Amechi, SAN; and Isaac Anya, submitted bail applications on their behalf.
The EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, did not oppose the bail requests. After a short break, Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, granted bail to the accused individuals and scheduled the trial for June 18 and 19, 2025.
