The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, along with four others, before the Abia State High Court on charges of alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The defendants include Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; a government contractor, Obioma King; and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu.
They appeared before Chief Judge Justice Lilian Abai to face a 16-count charge centered on conspiracy, theft, and the alleged diversion of billions of naira earmarked for government programs.
According to the EFCC, the charges include:
Misappropriation of N22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015.
Diversion of N13 billion from a loan granted by Diamond Bank.
Unlawful conversion of N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
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Misuse of N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the Abia State government and local councils.
Conversion of N2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds intended for small and medium enterprises.
At the commencement of proceedings, lead prosecutor, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), requested that the court registrar read the charges aloud to ensure the defendants understood them before entering their pleas.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty.
The defense team, led by senior advocates including Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Chikaosulu Ojukwu (SAN), K.I. Oleh (Esq.), Okey Amechi (SAN), and Isaac Anya (Esq.), submitted bail applications on behalf of their clients.
While the prosecution did not oppose bail, it urged the court to exercise discretion in setting conditions.
After a brief recess, Justice Abai granted bail to the defendants and adjourned the case until June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
