- Safiu Kehinde
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, a two-time governor who served from 2015 to 2023, was reportedly taken into custody on Tuesday after honouring the Commission’s invitation its headquarters in Abuja.
As reported by The Punch, a source in the anti-graft agency disclosed that the arrest of the former Akwa-Ibom governor followed a petition issued to the EFCC by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT).
The petitioner had accused Emmanuel of financial misconduct, including money laundering, diversion of funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
“A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation.
“The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion.
“Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that investigations revealed a cash withdrawal of N31 billion from a single account named “Office of the Governor.” The source said.