The media team of former Abia State governor Theodore Orji has denied claims circulating on social media that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his residence and recovered large sums of money and other valuables.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Paul Njoku, media director of the Chinedum Orji Media Organisation, described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard them.

The statement followed the circulation of posts on social media alleging that the anti-graft agency carried out a raid on Orji’s residence in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, and recovered billions of dollars, pre-written election results, gold jewellery and several luxury vehicles.

Njoku said no such operation took place and insisted that the former governor’s residence was never searched by the EFCC.

“At no time did the EFCC raid his residence in Umuahia or any other location in Nigeria. Consequently, no incriminating items, election materials, or any of the alleged exhibits were recovered, as no such operation ever took place,” the statement said.

It added that the publication was “false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to mislead the public, tarnish reputations and create unnecessary panic”.

The media organisation also dismissed suggestions that the former governor was facing any immediate action from the anti-corruption agency, saying Theodore Orji was “hale, hearty and in good health”.

The statement said the organisation had initially considered ignoring the reports but decided to respond after receiving enquiries from associates, supporters and members of the public.

“We consider it necessary to set the record straight,” Njoku said.

He urged members of the public and news organisations to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing claims capable of misleading readers.

The statement also said the group’s attention remained focused on the political activities of former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Chinedum Orji, who it described as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the organisation would not be distracted by what it described as attempts by unnamed individuals to spread false information.

The EFCC has not publicly commented on the social media claims or the statement issued by the media organisation.

Theodore Orji served as governor of Abia State between 2007 and 2015 before representing Abia Central in the Senate. In recent years, the former governor has faced scrutiny by anti-corruption authorities, although the latest viral claims have been denied by his media team.

See full statement below:

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Our attention has been drawn to a viral social media publication alleging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on the Umuahia residence of former Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, CFR (Ochendo), and purportedly recovered billions of dollars, pre-written election results, gold jewellery, and several exotic vehicles.

Ordinarily, we would not lend credibility to such baseless and fabricated claims with a response. However, in view of the genuine concerns expressed by friends, associates, supporters, and members of the public, we consider it necessary to set the record straight.

Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, CFR, is hale, hearty, and in good health. At no time did the EFCC raid his residence in Umuahia or any other location in Nigeria. Consequently, no incriminating items, election materials, or any of the alleged exhibits were recovered, as no such operation ever took place. The entire story is false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to mislead the public, tarnish reputations, and create unnecessary panic.

We therefore urge members of the public and the media to disregard the false publication and to rely on credible and verified sources before sharing information of this nature.

Our attention remains firmly focused on promoting the vision and aspirations of our principal, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

We will not be distracted by the antics of unscrupulous individuals who resort to spreading falsehoods in a desperate attempt to gain relevance. Truth will always prevail over propaganda.

Paul Njoku
Media Director
Chinedum Orji Media Organization