Court Sets Date for EFCC’s Motion for Final Forfeiture of N228.4m Linked to Orji

A Federal High Court Abuja set a date to hear the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) motion for final forfeiture of N228.4 million linked to ex-Abia Governor, Senator Theodore Orji.

The hearing will be for consideration of the motion for perpetual confiscation of the money, which has been disputed.

In January 2025, the court had ordered an interim forfeiture of the N228.4 million, following the EFCC tracing the money to the account of Orji. The commission had filed the action as part of its efforts against financial crimes, claiming that the money was proceeds of illegal activities while Orji was governor from 2007 to 2015.

Senator Orji has objected to the order, stating that the money is not proceeds of illegal activities and requesting its restoration. The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in the national dailies so that any interested party may file objections. The law requires such parties to file their case within 14 days of advertisement.

If the motion is granted, the funds will be permanently forfeited to the federal government, further deepening the probe into Orji’s financial dealings.

The case remains a significant part of the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into corruption during the tenure of various public officials across Nigeria.

This case is closely followed, as it is a landmark in the EFCC’s bid to recover looted assets and hold public officials accountable for the monies they accrue while in office. The final decision by the court would set a precedent in cases that may be brought in the future, as the EFCC continues to fight corruption at all levels of government.

The hearing date will be a watershed in determining the destiny of the money and further shaping the trajectory of the EFCC’s push to prosecute former government officials for suspected financial offenses.