Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Over N228 Million Linked to Ex-Governor Theodore Orji
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim freezing and forfeiture of over N228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, to the Federal Government.
The decision comes amidst allegations of money laundering and corruption.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf, sought the order under the provisions of Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
Justice Nwite directed the EFCC to publicise the interim forfeiture order on its official website and in the Daily Trust Newspaper, granting interested parties a 14-day window to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the government.
The case was adjourned to 3 February for a compliance report.
The funds, totalling N228,497,773.12, are reportedly domiciled with Keystone Bank and held in the name of Effdee Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly used to siphon public funds during Mr Orji’s tenure as governor.
According to the EFCC, Effdee Nigeria Limited served as a conduit for diverting funds from the Abia State Government during Mr Orji’s administration.
The commission alleges that the company conspired with the former governor, members of his family, and certain government officials to launder public funds.
Tahir Ahmed, an EFCC litigation officer, disclosed that investigations began following intelligence reports received between 2016 and 2017.
He stated that Effdee Nigeria Limited, ostensibly a sewage and waste disposal entity, was used to transfer government funds to private accounts before the cash was returned to Government House officials.
Mr Ahmed also revealed that the divisional head of Keystone Bank in Umuahia, Austin Akuma, acted as a middleman in the scheme.
According to the EFCC, Mr Akuma admitted under caution that funds were channelled through Effdee Nigeria Limited and later distributed to various bank customers, who would withdraw and return the cash to the government’s Special Adviser on General Duties.
Letters of investigation were sent to Keystone Bank, revealing substantial inflows into Effdee Nigeria Limited’s account from Abia State Government agencies.
The account currently holds a balance of N228,497,773.12, which the EFCC argues must be preserved to prevent dissipation during the ongoing investigation.
EFCC counsel Ms Yusuf emphasised the necessity of freezing the funds, citing evidence that links them to unlawful activities.
She argued that the forfeiture order would ensure the funds are preserved pending the conclusion of investigations and potential prosecution.
Theodore Orji served as governor of Abia State from 2007 to 2015 and later represented Abia Central District in the Senate for two terms before retiring from active politics.
Source: Premium Times
