The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially arraigned former Abia State Governor Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji and four others on charges of embezzling N60.85 billion in public funds. The high-profile case was brought before Justice Lilian Abai of the Abia State High Court, Umuahia, on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The former governor, alongside his co-defendants—Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu—is facing a 16-count charge of money laundering, conspiracy, and criminal conversion of state funds.
According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant in the case, accusing the defendants of siphoning billions meant for critical state projects, including SME funds, ecological interventions, security votes, and Paris Club refunds.
Count 1 alleges that in 2015, the defendants conspired to steal N2 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s SME Fund allocated to Abia State.
Another charge states that in 2013, they diverted N850 million earmarked for ecological projects in the state.
One of the most damning accusations (Count 7) claims that between 2011 and 2015, they misappropriated N22.5 billion in security votes, funds meant for maintaining law and order.
The defendants are also accused of diverting N12 billion from the Paris Club refund between 2010 and 2011.
In 2015, they allegedly stole N13 billion obtained through a loan from Diamond Bank for state development projects.
Another count implicates them in the illegal conversion of N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan, originally intended to benefit both Abia State Government and Local Government Councils.
The case has sparked widespread reactions, with anti-corruption advocates demanding accountability. If convicted, the defendants could face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and asset forfeiture.
This high-profile trial is expected to be a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, especially under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. With billions allegedly looted from public coffers, all eyes are on the judiciary to ensure justice is served.
The case continues, with the EFCC expected to present more damning evidence in the coming hearings.
PIONEER NEWS 