EFCC Arraigns Former Abia Governor, Son, and Top Officials Over Alleged Misappropriation of N47.5 Billion Public Funds
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, alongside his son, ex-Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, over alleged conspiracy and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of Naira.
Also arraigned were former Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; ex-Director of Finance, Government House, Mr. Romanus Madu; and a state contractor, King Obioma.
The case, filed under charge number HU/69c/2024 on October 8, 2024, was heard at Court 1 of the Abia State High Court. A team of 11 EFCC lawyers, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) and Rotimi Oyedopo, represented the prosecution.
Upon reading the 16-count charge, Chief Judge of Abia State, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai, heard the defendants plead not guilty. The charges include the alleged misappropriation of N22.5 billion in security votes (2011-2015), N2 billion from the CBN SME fund, N12 billion from the Paris Club refund, and N13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan facility.
The judge granted bail to all defendants at N50 million each and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19 for the EFCC to present its case.
Defense counsel Daniel Anya dismissed the allegations as “bogus” and “superfluous,” emphasizing that the burden of proof rests with the EFCC. He praised the court’s decision to grant bail, stating that his clients are “respected citizens” and remain innocent until proven guilty.
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 on Friday arraigned former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, alongside his son, ex-Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, over alleged conspiracy and misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of Naira.){kind=link}