N47BN SCAM: FORMER ABIA GOVERNOR ORJI SON FACE 16 COUNTS
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count charge against former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, and his son, Chinedum, over the alleged misappropriation of N47 billion.
Orji, along with his son, former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto, government contractor, Obioma King, and former Director of Finance, Romas Madu, was arraigned before the Abia State High Court on Friday.
The EFCC accused Orji and the other defendants of diverting N22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015.
They were also alleged to have misappropriated N13 billion from a loan obtained from the now-defunct Diamond Bank.
Additionally, the commission claimed the accused persons illegally converted N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
They were further accused of diverting N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the state and its local governments, as well as N2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal team, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Chikaosulu Ojukwu (SAN), K.I. Oleh, Okey Amechi (SAN), and Isaac Anya, filed applications for bail.
The EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, did not oppose the bail applications.
After a brief recess, Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, granted bail to the defendants and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
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