Group Seeks EFCC’s Prosecution Of 3 Former Abia Governors

A civil society group, Support the Youth Organisation, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to institute prosecution against three former governors of Abia State.

The group, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/75/2026, is asking the court to grant an order of mandamus directing the anti-graft agency to take further action against former governors Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji and Mr Okezie Ikpeazu over allegations relating to the management of public funds during their respective tenures.

The suit, filed by counsel to the group, Barrister Okoro Nkemakolam, was made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

According to the originating motion ex parte supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit, the applicants contend that investigations previously carried out by the EFCC allegedly uncovered financial improprieties involving an estimated N1 trillion said to belong to Abia State.

The applicants argue that despite the alleged findings, the EFCC has not proceeded with prosecution, prompting the request for judicial intervention.

The suit was brought pursuant to Order 34 Rules 1, 2 and 3 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as Section 6 of the EFCC Establishment Act and Section 15 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The group further submitted that the funds in question were meant for critical development projects, including infrastructure, payment of teachers’ salaries and pensions for retirees in the state.

It claimed that the alleged financial lapses have contributed to challenges such as salary and pension arrears, as well as poor infrastructure across parts of Abia State.

The applicants, therefore, urged the court to grant the reliefs sought and make any further orders it may deem fit in the circumstances.