Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Theodore Orji, former Governor of Abia state, over alleged N47 billion misappropriation.
Gatekeepers News reports that Orji and four other defendants were arraigned on a 16-count charge at Abia State High Court.
Other defendants in the suit are Chinedum Orji, the former Governor’s son; Philip Nto, a former Abia commissioner of finance; Obioma King, a government contractor; and Romas Madu, a former director of finance in Abia state.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
EFCC accused the defendants of allegedly misappropriating N22.5 billion allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015, stealing N13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank, and illegal conversion of N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
It also alleged that the defendants converted N10.5 billion from a loan granted by First Bank, which was meant for Abia state government and its local government areas.
During the proceedings, the defence counsel – Bode Olanipekun, representing the former Governor; Chikaosulu Ojukwu, representing the second defendant; K.I. Oleh, Okey Amechi, and Isaac Anya — moved the bail applications of their clients.
Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to EFCC, did not object to the defendants’ bail applications.
Lilian Abai, the trial judge granted the bail applications and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025 for trial.
