The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Theodore Orji, the former governor of Abia State, over his alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme that misappropriated a staggering N47 billion.
Orji, who served as governor from 2007 to 2015 and later represented Abia Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, appeared before the Abia State High Court on Friday alongside four others.
The five defendants face a 16-count charge related to various financial crimes, including the misappropriation of public funds.
Orji was charged with embezzling security vote funds and illegally diverting loans intended for the state’s development.
The co-defendants include Chinedum Orji, the former governor’s son; Philip Nto, the former Abia commissioner of finance; Obioma King, a government contractor; and Romas Madu, a former director of finance in Abia state.
According to the EFCC, the defendants are accused of misappropriating N22.5 billion allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015.
Additionally, they are charged with stealing N13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank and illegally converting N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
The anti-graft agency further alleges that they misappropriated N10.5 billion from a loan granted by First Bank, which was meant to support the state and its local government areas.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
Kemi Pinheiro, the counsel representing the EFCC, did not object to the bail applications for the defendants.
In response, Lilian Abai, the presiding judge, granted them bail and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025 for further trial proceedings.
This case is the latest in a series of legal challenges for the former governor.
Earlier in January, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order for N228.4 million linked to Orji, in relation to alleged money laundering activities.
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