EFCC arraigns ex-Abia Governor Theodore Orji, others for alleged N60 Billion fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 28, 2025, arraigned former Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, alongside four others on a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering and financial misappropriation.

Orji was arraigned alongside his son, Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu before Justice Lilian Abai of the Abia State High Court in Umuahia. The charges against them involve the alleged diversion of public funds meant for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), ecological projects, security votes, the Paris Club refund, and loans obtained by the Abia State Government.

According to the EFCC, the accused allegedly conspired to steal and convert:

₦2 billion from CBN’s SME fund in 2015

₦850 million meant for ecological projects in 2013

₦22.5 billion allocated as security votes between 2011 and 2015

₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund between 2010 and 2011

₦13 billion from a loan secured from the then Diamond Bank in 2015

₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan granted for state and local government projects in 2012

The EFCC further accused the defendants of official corruption and abuse of office, stating that they committed offenses contrary to Sections 98, 104, 516, and 390(5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Orji and his co-accused engaged in fraudulent practices that deprived Abia State of critical funds for economic and infrastructural development.

The case has been adjourned for further hearing as the court prepares to examine the charges against the former governor and his associates.