EFCC Arraigns Ex-Governor of Abia, Theodore Ahamefule Orji ,son and Others for Alleged N60.85billion Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Ahamefule Orji, son, Engr. Chinedum Orji, and 3 others, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu, before the Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State.
They face a 16-count charge for alleged conspiracy, official corruption, stealing, and diversion of public funds totaling N60.85 billion.
The charges include stealing and converting N22.5 billion in security votes allocated to the Abia State Government between 2011 and 2015, and conspiring to divert N12 billion from the state’s share of the Paris Club refund between 2010 and 2011.
All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Dr. Pinheiro, requested a trial date, while the defense counsels applied for bail.
Justice Lilian Abai granted each defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety, subject to certain conditions. The case has been adjourned to June 18 and 19, 2025, for commencement of trial.
