The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, along with four others, before Justice Lilian Abai of the Federal High Court in Umuahia on Friday.
They face allegations of conspiracy, corruption, and the diversion of public funds totaling ₦60.85 billion. The individuals charged alongside Orji include his son, Chinedum Orji, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; Philip Nto; Onwumene King Obioma; and Romanus Madu.
The EFCC has filed a 16-count charge against them that includes stealing, official corruption, and criminal conspiracy. According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, one of the allegations claims that between 2011 and 2015, the defendants allegedly stole and appropriated ₦22.5 billion in security votes belonging to the Abia State Government. Another charge alleges that between 2010 and 2011, they conspired to divert ₦12 billion from the state’s share of the Paris Club refund. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The EFCC’s counsel, Pinheiro, requested the court to set a date for the trial. Meanwhile, defense attorneys, including Bode Olanipekun and Oke Amaechi, applied for bail on behalf of their clients. Justice Abai granted each defendant bail in the amount of ₦50 million, requiring one surety in the same sum. The surety must own a property in Umuahia, provide a Certificate of Occupancy, and submit an affidavit of means along with two passport photographs. Additionally, the defendants are required to surrender their international passports. The case is scheduled for trial on June 18 and 19, 2025.
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