Former Abia Governor Theodore Orji Arraigned Over Alleged ₦47 Billion Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, over allegations of misappropriating a staggering ₦47 billion during his time in office.
Orji, who served as governor from 2007 to 2015 before representing Abia Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, appeared before the Abia State High Court on Friday alongside four co-defendants. The charges include a 16-count indictment covering alleged financial mismanagement and illegal fund conversions.
According to the EFCC, the defendants are accused of: Diverting ₦22.5 billion meant for security votes between 2011 and 2015., Misappropriating ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan facility. Illegally converting ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund. Siphoning ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan intended for Abia State and its local government areas.
Orji’s son, Chinedum Orji, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, is among the accused, along with ex-Abia finance commissioner Philip Nto, government contractor Obioma King, and former director of finance, Romas Madu.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty. Their legal representatives, including Bode Olanipekun for Orji, moved for bail, which was unopposed by EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro. Presiding Judge Lilian Abai granted bail and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
This is not the first time Orji has faced scrutiny. In January, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of ₦228.4 million linked to him in an alleged money laundering case.
