JUSTICE Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the interim freezing and forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million connected to former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, citing allegations of money laundering.
In response to an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) represented by counsel Fadila Yusuf.
Justice Nwite also instructed the EFCC to publish the order on its website and in the Daily Trust newspaper.
According to the judge’s order, any interested parties must respond within 14 days of the order’s publication.
The matter has been adjourned to February 3 for a report on compliance.
The EFCC’s motion sought an interim freezing and forfeiture of ₦228,497,773.12 held in a commercial bank, as detailed in a schedule provided to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In her arguments, EFCC Counsel stated that the funds listed in the schedule are under investigation and were found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd.
The money is suspected to be proceeds from unlawful activities.
