By Ayomide Otitoju
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and four others before the Abia State High Court over alleged misappropriation of ₦47 billion.
The other defendants include his son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Philip Nto; a government contractor, Obioma King; and former Director of Finance, Romas Madu.
Appearing before Chief Judge Justice Lilian Abai, they faced a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and illegal conversion of public funds.
The charges include the alleged misappropriation of ₦22.5 billion in security votes between 2011 and 2015, the diversion of ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan facility, and the illegal conversion of ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund. Additionally, they were accused of diverting ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the state government and local councils, as well as ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds intended for small and medium enterprises.
At the commencement of the trial, lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) requested that the charges be read to the defendants, who all pleaded not guilty.
Their legal representatives, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN) for Theodore Orji and Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) for Chinedum Orji, filed bail applications, which the prosecution did not oppose.
Justice Abai granted the defendants bail and adjourned the case until June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
