The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 28, 2025, arraigned former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, his son Engr. Chinedum Orji, and three others before the Abia State High Court on charges of misappropriation and fraud.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The other defendants in the case include Dr. Philip Nto, a former Commissioner of Finance; Obioma King, a government contractor; and Romas Madu, a former Director of Finance for Abia State.
They appeared before Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, theft, and illegal conversion of billions of naira meant for government programs.
The EFCC accused the defendants of:
- Misappropriating ₦22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015.
- Stealing ₦13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank.
- Illegally diverting ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
- Converting ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the Abia State government and local councils.
- Diverting ₦2 billion from CBN funds designated for small and medium enterprises.
At the commencement of the trial, lead prosecutor Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, requested the court registrar to read the charges to the defendants to ensure they fully understood the allegations.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty.
Their defence team, comprising Bode Olanipekun, SAN (representing Theodore Orji), Chikaosulu Ojukwu, SAN (for Chinedum Orji), K.I. Oleh, Esq., Okey Amechi, SAN, and Isaac Anya, Esq., filed bail applications for their clients.
While the EFCC did not oppose bail, the prosecution urged the court to impose strict conditions.
After a brief stand-down, Justice Lilian Abai granted the defendants bail and adjourned the trial to June 18 and 19, 2025.
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