EFCC Arrest Former Abia Governor, Theodore Orji And Son Over N551 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, and his son, Chinedu, who is the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

It was gathered that Chinedu turned himself in on Thursday afternoon upon learning of the arrest of his father at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The ex-governor was intercepted at the airport around 10 am this morning and brought to the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja, for the continuation of his interrogation.

Senator Orji and his sons, Chinedu and Ogbonna, are under investigation by the EFCC for alleged misappropriation of public funds and money laundering to the tune of N551 billion.

Why EFCC Arrested Theodore Orji And His Son

A source said the ex-governor embezzled the N500 million monthly security vote he received for eight years as governor of Abia state between 2007 and 2015.

The lawmaker representing Abia Central Senatorial District was also arrested over issues related to the alleged mismanagement of N2bn Ecological Fund and conversion of Sure-P funds.

“He is being quizzed alongside his son, Chinedu, the current Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, who turned himself in this afternoon upon learning of the arrest of his father.

“Senator Orji and his sons, Chinedu and Ogbonna, are under investigation by the EFCC for offences bordering on misappropriation of public funds and money laundering.

“The ex-Governor is alleged to have collected N500million monthly as security vote for eight years as governor of Abia state between 2007 and 2015.

“Other issues relate to the alleged mismanagement of N2billion Ecological Fund and conversion of Sure-P funds,” the source said.

When contacted, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of the former Governor at  Abuja Airport.

KanyiDaily recalls that EFCC had opened an investigation into an alleged diversion of N551 billion by Theodore Orji and his son, Chinedu.