The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, his son, Chinedum Orji, and three others to court over alleged mismanagement of public funds.
The case was heard at the Abia State High Court on Friday.
The EFCC accused them of conspiracy and misuse of billions of naira meant for state development.
Others charged alongside them include former Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto, former Director of Finance Romanus Madu, and a contractor, King Obioma.
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The charges, filed in October 2024, include allegations of misusing N22.5 billion security funds between 2011 and 2015, N2 billion meant for small and medium enterprises from the Central Bank, and N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.
They were also accused of misusing N13 billion from a loan granted to the state by the former Diamond Bank.
During the court session, all the defendants denied the charges.
The judge granted them bail at N50 million each and set the next hearing for June 18 and 19, 2025, when the EFCC will present its case.
One of the defence lawyers described the charges as excessive but expressed satisfaction that the court granted bail.
The EFCC now has the responsibility of proving the allegations against the accused persons when the trial resumes.
