Senator Theodore Orji, a former governor of Abia state, has denied involvement in an alleged N228.4m fraud linked to Effdee Nigeria Limited, describing it as a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation.
Orji was reacting to reports published across media platforms about a Motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal High Court, Abuja, which was fixed for hearing on May 28.
A statement on Tuesday from Orji’s liaison office claimed that the report was completely false, baseless and malicious, adding that those who authored it failed to conduct proper fact-check.
A glaring inaccuracy, according to the statement, was the claim that Senator Orji served as Governor in 2016 and 2017, whereas his tenure ended in May 2015.
It dismissed as false any associations between Senator Orji and Mr. Uchenna Erondu or Mr. Austin Akuma, stressing that none of the two individuals had any role in his administration.
Senator Orji further denied any knowledge of, or connection to, Effdee Nigeria Limited – the company wrongly linked to him in the report.
“This publication is not only false but also maliciously intended to damage Senator Orji’s hard-earned reputation. He is a man known for his integrity and dedication to public service,” the statement read.
Consequently, Senator Orij demanded a full retraction of the story across all platforms where it was published.
The EFCC is seeking an order for final forfeiture of the N228.4 million allegedly linked to the former Governor in the suit pending before Justice Emeka Nwite.
In a supporting affidavit, the EFCC claimed that the money was a subject of investigation by its operatives, which was found in the possession of a firm, Effdee Nigeria Limited, adding that it was suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The EFCC said: “Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Abia State Government to wit: conspiracy, abuse of office, obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering and diversion of public funds.
“Effdee Nigeria Ltd, in whose possession the monies were found, is reasonably suspected to have conspired with Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former governor of Abia State, some officials in the former governor’s administration and his family members.”
It stated that the ex-governor and others were being investigated for the allegations following an intelligence report received by the Commission against Orji.
According to the anti-graft agency, there was the need to preserve the money pending investigation and/or prosecution.
