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. The funds are now temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government amid allegations of money laundering.

The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Fadila Yusuf, Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Nwite instructed the EFCC to publish the court order on its official website and in the *Daily Trust* newspaper. The publication is intended to notify any interested parties, who have 14 days to come forward and show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.

The matter has been adjourned to February 3, 2025, for the court to receive a compliance report.

The EFCC’s motion detailed that the sum of ₦228,497,773.12, held in an account with a commercial bank, is under investigation. The agency argued that the funds, in possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd., are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The case forms part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to combat financial corruption and recover public funds allegedly misappropriated by government officials. If no valid claims are presented within the stipulated time, the funds may be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the financial dealings of Theodore Orji, highlighting the EFCC’s commitment to addressing corruption allegations in Nigeria.