Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim freezing and forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, to the Federal Government, following allegations of money laundering.
The ruling came after an ex-parte motion filed by Fadila Yusuf, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In addition to the freezing order, Justice Nwite directed the EFCC to publish the order on its website and in Daily Trust newspaper.
Under the terms of the order, any interested parties must show cause within 14 days of the publication. The judge also adjourned the case to February 3 for a compliance report.
In its ex-parte motion, the EFCC sought the freezing and forfeiture of ₦228,497,773.12 held in a commercial bank, as detailed in a schedule attached to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s request.
EFCC counsel argued that the funds, believed to be proceeds of illegal activities, were found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd. The commission suspects the money is tied to unlawful transactions and is currently under investigation.
