The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, alongside his son, Engineer Chinedum Orji, and three others before the Abia State High Court on charges of alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The other defendants include former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; government contractor, Obioma King; and former Director of Finance, Romas Madu.
Appearing before the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Abai, the five defendants faced a 16-count, including conspiracy, theft, and the alleged diversion of billions of naira meant for government programs.
The EFCC’s charges include: Misappropriation of ₦22.5 billion allocated for security votes (2011-2015), diversion of ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, unlawful conversion of ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund, misuse of ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan intended for the Abia State government and local councils, and conversion of ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds meant for SMEs.
During proceedings, lead prosecutor, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) requested that the charges be read aloud. All five defendants pleaded not guilty.
Their defence team, led by prominent senior advocates, applied for bail, which the prosecution did not oppose, but urged the court to impose strict conditions.
Justice Abai granted bail to the defendants and adjourned the trial to June 18 and 19, 2025.
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