By Gwurld4026 
Ex-Governor Theodore Orji and Son Face Fraud Charges
On February 28, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, his son, Chinedum Orji, and three others before Justice Lilian Abai of the Abia State High Court in Umuahia. The 16-count charge includes allegations of conspiracy, official corruption, stealing, and diversion of public funds totaling ₦60.85 billion.
The charges involve the alleged misappropriation of ₦22 billion allocated for security votes and ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refunds, among other funds.
This legal action follows an EFCC investigation initiated in 2020, based on a 2017 petition by the Fight Corruption: Save Nigeria Group. The petition accused the Orji family of embezzling over ₦500 billion in public funds during Theodore Orji’s tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court has adjourned the case to a later date for the commencement of the trial.