Kehinde Fajobi
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of ₦228,497,773.12 linked to former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji.
The funds, suspected to be proceeds of money laundering, were reportedly found in an account belonging to Effdee Nigeria Limited at Keystone Bank.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court directed the EFCC to publicise the order on its website and in Daily Trust newspaper, inviting interested parties to show cause within 14 days.
The judge adjourned the case until February 3 for a compliance report.
The EFCC had accused Effdee Nigeria Ltd of conspiring with Orji, officials of his administration, and family members to siphon funds from the Abia State Government.
EFCC counsel Fadila Yusuf argued that the funds must be preserved pending further investigation and potential prosecution.
She stated: “Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, some officials in the former governor’s administration, and his family members.”
Tahir Ahmed, an EFCC litigation officer, revealed that investigations began in 2016 following intelligence reports. He claimed the company was used as a conduit to divert public funds during Orji’s tenure as governor.
Ahmed alleged that a Keystone Bank official, Austin Akuma, collaborated with Orji’s aide, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, to funnel state funds into Effdee Nigeria Limited’s account.
The funds were then redistributed, withdrawn, and delivered as cash to government officials.
The EFCC’s investigation traced substantial deposits from Abia State Government agencies into Effdee Nigeria Limited’s account, leaving a balance of ₦228.4 million.
Justice Nwite, finding merit in the EFCC’s application, granted the interim freezing and forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government.