Rebuttal to false, misleading and defamatory publications against Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji

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Our attention has been drawn to a publication by Peoples Gazette seeking to falsely associate Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji with alleged financial impropriety and ongoing proceedings involving third parties and corporate entities. The publication contains misleading inferences, material distortions, and deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputation of a public figure who has not been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria.

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For the avoidance of doubt, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025 before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, is strictly an ex-parte interim forfeiture/freezing proceeding involving Effdee Nigeria Limited and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and not a criminal conviction or finding against Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.

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The Certified True Copy of the Court Order clearly shows that the matter concerns an interim freezing and forfeiture order relating to the account of Effdee Ltd. maintained with Keystone Bank. Importantly, nowhere in the said Order is Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji listed as a director, shareholder, or account holder of the company in question.

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Furthermore, the official Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Status Report for Effdee Nigeria Limited confirms that the directors of the company are Danny Sakis Aouad and Fouad Anthony Aouad respectively. Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji is not listed as a director, shareholder, promoter, or officer of the company in any capacity.

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It is therefore irresponsible, prejudicial, and malicious for any individual or group to present allegations, interim proceedings, or unproven claims as established facts against Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.

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We reiterate unequivocally that:
1. Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has never been convicted by any Court of Law in Nigeria.
2. No competent court has pronounced him guilty of fraud, corruption, or any criminal offence whatsoever.
3. Attempts to weaponize unproven allegations for political purposes undermine the integrity of due process and the rule of law.

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Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence guaranteed under Nigerian law until proven otherwise by a competent court of law.

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We therefore urge members of the public, political stakeholders, and media organisations to exercise restraint, professionalism, and fidelity to verified facts, rather than amplify speculative and defamatory narratives capable of misleading the public and prejudicing ongoing judicial processes.

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Kelvin Okorie
Media Aide to Rt Hon. Chinedu Orji

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