A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has issued an order for the interim forfeiture and freezing of over ₦228.4 million allegedly tied to Theodore Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, amid investigations into money laundering activities.
The order followed an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Fadila Yusuf.
In addition to freezing the funds, the court instructed the EFCC to publish the ruling on its website and in the Daily Trust Newspaper.
Justice Nwite’s ruling stipulates that any parties with an interest in the funds must show cause within 14 days of the order’s publication.
The matter has been adjourned to February 3 for a compliance report.
In its motion, the EFCC explained that the sum of ₦228,497,773.12, currently held in a commercial bank, was part of an ongoing investigation involving Effdee Nigeria Ltd.
The EFCC believes the funds may be proceeds from illicit activities, warranting their temporary seizure for further investigation.
(Daily Gazette)
