Federal Court Freezes Over N228 Million Linked to Ex-Governor Theodore Orji in Money Laundering Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order for the interim freezing and forfeiture of over N228.4 million allegedly linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, in a money laundering case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the ex-parte motion on January 2, seeking to secure the funds as part of an ongoing investigation.

Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on the motion, directed that the EFCC publish the court’s order on its website and in the Daily Trust Newspaper. He also instructed that interested parties should show cause within 14 days of the publication. The judge adjourned the matter until February 3 for a report on compliance with the order.

The case stems from an investigation into Orji’s alleged involvement in laundering public funds. According to the EFCC, the money, amounting to N228,497,773.12, was found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company linked to the former governor. Effdee Nigeria Ltd is accused of conspiring with Orji and some officials from his administration to defraud the Abia State Government, engaging in conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

Tahir Ahmed, a litigation officer with the EFCC, stated that between 2016 and 2017, the commission received intelligence about Orji’s involvement in diverting and laundering funds through Effdee Nigeria Ltd. The company, a sewage and waste disposal entity, allegedly worked with Keystone Bank officials to move money from the Abia State Government accounts.

As the investigation continues, the EFCC seeks to preserve the funds to prevent any possible dissipation before the case reaches its conclusion.