N228m Forfeiture: Court Links Former Abia Governor Theodore Orji to Alleged Funds
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, over allegations of money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court directed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order on its website and in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties 14 days to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
The funds in question are reportedly held in an account with Keystone Bank, associated with Effdee Nigeria Ltd. The EFCC alleges that the money is linked to unlawful activities during Orji’s tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.
In response, Senator Orji has distanced himself from the alleged forfeiture, denying any connection to the funds and expressing confidence that the legal process will exonerate him.
The court has scheduled a hearing for February 3, 2025, to review compliance with its directives and consider any representations from interested parties regarding the final forfeiture of the funds.