Court Orders Forfeiture Of Over N228m Linked To Ex-Governor Theodore Orji

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of N228,497,773.12 traced to former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, on allegations of money laundering and diversion of public funds.  

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The judge also directed the EFCC to publicize the forfeiture order on its website and in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.  

The case is set for a compliance report on February 3, 2025.  

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 The EFCC revealed that the funds were discovered in an account belonging to Effdee Nigeria Ltd., a company allegedly used by Orji and his associates to siphon money from the Abia State Government.

According to the EFCC, Effdee Nigeria Ltd., a sewage and waste disposal company, was a front for laundering government funds during Orji’s tenure.  

The investigation unearthed a complex scheme involving Keystone Bank officials and government insiders. 

The EFCC stated that funds were funneled into Effdee Nigeria Ltd.’s account, redistributed to various bank customers, withdrawn in cash, and returned to government officials.  

Justice Nwite ruled that the EFCC’s application was meritorious and approved the interim freezing of the funds pending the conclusion of investigations. 

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The court emphasized the need to preserve the funds to prevent dissipation.  

Theodore Orji served two terms as governor of Abia State and later represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. 

The EFCC has been investigating him and his associates for alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of office since 2016.