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, allegedly linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji.
The funds are suspected to be proceeds of money laundering, with the Nigerian Government set to take control of the amount.
The ruling came in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Counsel Fadila Yusuf. Justice Nwite directed that the order be published on the EFCC’s website as well as in Daily Trust Newspaper, allowing interested parties to show cause within 14 days of the publication.
The EFCC had sought the order as part of its ongoing investigation into funds allegedly connected to Orji. According to the motion, the ₦228,497,773.12 is held in a commercial bank, which is listed in the schedule attached to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The EFCC Counsel argued that the funds were found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd and were reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of illegal activities. Following the ruling, the judge adjourned the case to February 3 for a report on the compliance with the order.
