Former Abia Governor, Senator Theodore Orji
(EPICSTORIAN) — Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, his son Chinedum Orji, and three others appeared before the Abia State High Court on Friday following charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case involves allegations of misappropriating N47 billion in public funds during Orji’s tenure.
The EFCC’s charges outline a pattern of financial irregularities, including conspiracy, theft, and fraudulent conversion of state resources, the Guardian said.
Other defendants include former Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto, contractor Obioma King, and former Director of Finance Romas Madu.
Prosecutors claim N22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015 was diverted. Another N13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan facility and N12 billion from the Paris Club refund were allegedly misappropriated.
Investigators also traced N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan and N2 billion intended for small and medium enterprises to unauthorized accounts.
Theodore Orji and Co’s Charges Read in Court
During proceedings, EFCC lead prosecutor Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) requested that the court registrar read the full charges against the defendants.
“The accused must understand the gravity of the allegations,” Pinheiro stated. Each defendant responded with a plea of not guilty to all 16 counts.
Defense teams led by Bode Olanipekun (SAN) for Theodore Orji and Chikaosulu Ojukwu (SAN) for Chinedum Orji submitted bail applications. Other defense counsel included KI Oleh, Okey Amechi (SAN), and Isaac Anya.
The prosecution did not contest the bail applications but urged the court to impose stringent conditions to prevent obstruction of justice.
Court Grants Bail
Justice Lilian Abai granted bail to all five defendants after reviewing submissions from both parties.
Bail conditions were set to ensure their continued presence in court throughout the trial. The case was adjourned to June 18 and 19, 2025, when full proceedings will commence.
Investigations leading up to the arraignment spanned several years, making this one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption cases.
Scrutiny over Orji’s tenure from 2007 to 2015 has intensified, with authorities aiming to uncover the full extent of financial mismanagement within his administration.
Corruption Trial Begins
The outcome of this case carries significant weight for Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign. Orji, who later served as a senator, now faces heightened examination over his financial activities while in office.
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The EFCC’s pursuit of this case reinforces efforts to hold Nigeria’s former public officials accountable.
