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Diversion of public funds

Jun 8, 2026

FRN vs Theodore Ahamefule Orji (Former Abia State Governor) & 4 others

Humans

Theodore Ahamefule Orji
& 4 others

Money bag

N34,500,000,000.00
Amount allegedly diverted

Money bag

Case Summary
The accused persons, conspired against themselves and allegedly stole and converted the said sum, being the allocation to the Abia State Government as security votes and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of Section 390 (5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

Calendar

465
Day(s) since arraignment

Gavel

Case Update
In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) each, one surety in like sum, surety must have a landed property in Umuahia and must show evidence of Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, surety must depose an affidavit of means and deposit two recent passport photographs with the court. Defendants must also deposit their international passports with the court registrar. The judge adjourned the matter for commencement of trial.

Court house

Hon. Justice Lilian Abai
Federal High Court, Umuahia, Abia

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - not applicable

Case Information
Theodore Ahamefule Orji & 4 others
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, Federal High Court, Umuahia, Abia
Nature and Number of Charges
16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, official corruption, stealing and diversion of public funds.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Feb 28, 2025
Summary of Case
The accused persons, conspired against themselves and allegedly stole and converted the said sum, being the allocation to the Abia State Government as security votes and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of Section 390 (5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Theodore Ahamefule Orji (Former Abia State Governor) – Not guilty
2. Engr. Chinedum Orji – Not guilty
3. Dr. Philip Nto – Not guilty
4. Onwumene King Obioma – Not guilty
5. Romanus K. Madu – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. Bode Olanipekun, SAN (Lawyer)
2. Chika Osolu Ojukwu, SAN (Lawyer)
3. K. I. Odeh, SAN (Lawyer)
4. Oke Amaechi, SAN (Lawyer)
5. Isaac Anya (Lawyer)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. Dr. Pinheiro SAN (Lawyer)
Status of Case
On Trial
Stage of Trial
Prosecution Stage
Length of Trial
465 day(s)
Case Update
In view of the defendant’s plea, the trial judge granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira) each, one surety in like sum, surety must have a landed property in Umuahia and must show evidence of Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, surety must depose an affidavit of means and deposit two recent passport photographs with the court. Defendants must also deposit their international passports with the court registrar. The judge adjourned the matter for commencement of trial.
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Not Applicable