By Abiola Olawale
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the interim forfeiture of ₦228.4 million allegedly linked to former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order following allegations of money laundering leveled against Orji in connection with the funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a lawsuit against Orji before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In the suit, the EFCC alleged that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, including conspiracy, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
The anti-graft agency, in the suit, said the funds, which were held in a Keystone Bank account, are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The agency said investigation revealed that Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company linked to Orji’s administration, conspired with the former governor, his family members, and other officials to launder public funds.
Giving his ruling, Justice Nwite directed the EFCC to publish this interim order on its website and in the Daily Trust Newspaper, inviting interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.
The case is set to be revisited on February 3 for a compliance report. The New Diplomat reports that Theodore Orji served as Governor of Abia State from 2007 to 2015 and later as a senator for Abia Central Senatorial District of Abia State from 2015 to 2023.
