Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order for the freezing and forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million linked to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, to the Federal Government over alleged money laundering.
The order followed an ex-parte motion filed by Fadila Yusuf, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Nwite also directed the EFCC to publish the order on its official website and in the Daily Trust newspaper.
As part of the order, interested parties have 14 days from the date of publication to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.
The case has been adjourned to February 3 for a compliance report.
The EFCC, in its application, sought the interim forfeiture of ₦228,497,773.12 held in an account with a commercial bank, alleging that the sum was found in the possession of Effdee Nigeria Ltd and is suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
