A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim order freezing and forfeiting over N228.4 million allegedly linked to Theodore Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, in a money laundering investigation.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, came after an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by lawyer Fadila Yusuf. The court further directed the EFCC to publicize the order on its website and in a selected newspaper.

Justice Nwite’s order mandates that any interested parties contesting the forfeiture show cause within 14 days of the publication. The case will be revisited on February 3 to check for compliance.

Orji, a former two-term senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, faces serious allegations tied to money laundering and the diversion of public funds. The EFCC’s motion referenced constitutional provisions and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, in seeking the court’s intervention.

The EFCC claims the sum of N228,497,773.12 was found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company suspected of being used by Orji, his administration officials, and family members to launder funds. The money is believed to be proceeds from illegal activities involving the Abia State Government.

EFCC’s investigation, triggered by intelligence reports from 2016 and 2017, reveals that Effdee Nigeria Ltd was allegedly involved in the diversion of funds from the state’s accounts. The investigation also uncovered the involvement of bank officials, including Austin Akuma, a divisional head at Keystone Bank in Umuahia, who acted as a middleman. Akuma allegedly helped coordinate the transfer of funds to various accounts before the money was withdrawn in cash and returned to government officials.

The investigation continues, and the EFCC has moved to preserve the funds to prevent them from being dissipated before the conclusion of the investigation and any potential prosecution. Justice Nwite granted the EFCC’s application, citing its merit in preserving the funds for the time being.