Court orders forfeiture of N228.4m linked to ex-Abia governor

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim forfeiture order for over ₦228.4 million allegedly linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Emeka Nwite, mandates the funds be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Fadila Yusuf, filed an ex-parte application, asserting that the funds are proceeds of money laundering.

Justice Nwite instructed the EFCC to publicize the forfeiture order on its official website and in a national newspaper.

The EFCC’s application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025, was filed under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

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The commission alleged that the funds, totalling ₦228,497,773.12 and domiciled in a Keystone Bank account held by Effdee Nigeria Ltd, were linked to the diversion of public funds by Orji and his associates during his tenure as governor.

According to the EFCC, Effdee Nigeria Ltd was allegedly used to siphon funds from the Abia State Government.

Tahir Ahmed, an EFCC litigation officer, revealed in his affidavit that intelligence received in 2016 and 2017 pointed to Effdee Nigeria Ltd as a conduit for laundering state funds.

“This arrangement facilitated the diversion of public funds,” Ahmed stated, attaching relevant evidence as exhibits.

Preliminary investigations revealed significant inflows into Effdee Nigeria Ltd’s account from Abia State Government agencies, leaving a balance of ₦228.4 million.

Ahmed emphasised the need to preserve the funds to prevent their dissipation pending the conclusion of investigations and criminal proceedings.

In granting the application, Justice Nwite stated, “The application is meritorious,” and ordered interested parties to present their cases within 14 days. The matter was adjourned to 3rd February 2025 for a compliance report.

Orji, who served two terms as governor and later represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate, has been under investigation for alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.