Crime
₦47bn Corruption: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Abia Gov, Son, And Three Others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, alongside his son, Chinedum Orji, and three others before the Abia State High Court over allegations of misappropriating ₦47 billion in public funds.
Also facing trial are: Dr. Philip Nto – Former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Obioma King – Government contractor and Romas Madu – Former Director of Finance, Abia State
The defendants appeared before Justice Lilian Abai on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, theft, and unlawful conversion of government funds.
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According to the EFCC, the accused persons allegedly engaged in large-scale financial mismanagement during Orji’s tenure as governor.
The breakdown of the charges includes: ₦22.5 billion misappropriated from security votes between 2011 and 2015, ₦13 billion allegedly diverted from a Diamond Bank loan facility, ₦12 billion reportedly converted from the Paris Club refund, ₦10.5 billion misused from a First Bank loan meant for Abia State and its local councils, and ₦2 billion allegedly stolen from CBN funds meant for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
At the hearing, lead prosecutor Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, presented the charges, and all five defendants pleaded not guilty.
Defense lawyers, including Bode Olanipekun, SAN, Chikaosulu Ojukwu, SAN, K.I. Oleh, Esq., Okey Amechi, SAN, and Isaac Anya, Esq., filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.
The EFCC did not oppose the bail applications but urged the court to impose strict conditions.
After deliberations, Justice Abai granted bail to the defendants and adjourned the trial to June 18 and 19, 2025.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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