Chief T A Orji


Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court,  Abuja has frozen a bank account with over N228.4 million linked to ex-Governor Theodore Orji on a request from the EFCC, which  suspects the funds to be  proceeds of corruption.


The EFCC has accused Orji of laundering public funds during his time as Abia’s governor. The money, found in Keystone Bank, is tied to Effdee Nigeria Ltd. The company allegedly aided in siphoning State funds. The court directed the EFCC to announce the freezing in a newspaper and on its website. Interested parties have 14 days to contest the court order. 


The EFCC said its investigation began in 2016. Intelligence reportedly linked Orji, his associates, and family to diverted funds. Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a waste management company, played a central role in the fraud, the agency said. The company received funds from Abia State accounts and redistributed them. EFCC said the funds were eventually withdrawn in cash and returned to the governor’s team.


Austin Akuma, a Keystone Bank manager, reportedly admitted his role in the scheme. He worked closely with Orji’s Special Adviser, Erondu Uchenna. Bank records showed large deposits from Abia’s government into Effdee’s account. Last year, the same court authorised EFCC to freeze 1,146 bank accounts. Those accounts were belonged to individuals and companies under investigations for alleged offences bordering on illegal dealing forex trade, money laundering and terrorism financing.


Calls for legal reforms as Theodore Orji faces charges There are varying reactions following the court decision. Legal experts praised the freezing order as a step toward justice. According to the Legal Emperors, Section 34(1) of the EFCC ACT empowers the  anti-corruption agency to apply to the court for the freezing of any suspicious account.


A legal analyst, Adamu Bello said the action “sends a strong message against corruption.”  Barrister Chika Okoro  urged the EFCC to conclude the investigation swiftly. “The public demands accountability,” he added. Anti-corruption expert Fatima Ahmed called for systemic reforms. “Freezing funds is good, but prevention is better,” she stated. Ahmed also highlighted the need for stricter banking regulations.


Theodore Orji was  Abia State governor from 2007 to 2015. He later served as a senator representing Abia Central for eight years. Orji retired from politics in 2023 but remained under scrutiny for alleged corruption. 


The court has adjourned the case to February 3 for a compliance report. If no one contests the freezing order, the funds may be permanently forfeited. The EFCC continues its investigation, with more charges potentially on the way.