Former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, his son Chinedum Orji, and three others have been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of ₦47 billion in public funds.
The defendants, including ex-Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto, government contractor Obioma King, and former Director of Finance Romas Madu, appeared before Justice Lilian Abai at the Abia State High Court on Friday.
The EFCC has slammed them with a 16-count charge of conspiracy, theft, and unlawful conversion of state funds, accusing them of:
Diverting ₦22.5 billion in security votes between 2011 and 2015.
Misusing ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan.
Illegally converting ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
Diverting ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan for state projects.
Stealing ₦2 billion meant for SMEs from CBN funds.
During the court session, all five defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers applied for bail, which the prosecution did not oppose but urged the court to impose strict conditions.
Justice Abai granted them bail and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
