Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N228.4 million forfeiture case involving former Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State to April 7.
The adjournment, announced on Thursday, followed the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to comply with a directive to publish the interim forfeiture order on its website and in a national newspaper.
Justice Nwite issued the interim forfeiture order on January 3, temporarily freezing over N228.4 million linked to Orji, pending the resolution of allegations of money laundering. The judge also instructed the EFCC to publish the order in Daily Trust and on its official website, allowing interested parties 14 days to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Fadila Yusuf informed the court that the commission had yet to carry out the publication, citing delays in accessing the court’s order.
“We promise that by Monday, the order would have been carried out,” Yusuf assured the court, requesting an adjournment to complete the directive.
Justice Nwite granted the adjournment, rescheduling the matter to April 7 for a report of compliance.
The EFCC alleges that the funds, traced to an account with Keystone Bank, are proceeds of unlawful activities involving Effdee Nigeria Ltd, a company reportedly linked to Orji. The commission claims Effdee Nigeria Ltd conspired with Orji, officials of his administration, and family members to divert public funds from the Abia State Government.
The interim forfeiture motion was filed under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The case marks a significant legal proceeding against Orji, who served as Abia State Governor for two terms and later represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate before retiring from active politics.
The EFCC has emphasized the need to preserve the funds while investigations and potential prosecution are underway.
