The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of financial misconduct involving N700 billion.
Emmanuel, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after being invited by the anti-graft agency. Shortly after his arrival, he was taken into custody.
A source within the commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, revealing that it stemmed from a petition filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking.
According to the source, the petition claimed that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his tenure but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unfinished projects worth N300 billion. Additionally, N700 billion could not be accounted for.
“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 source said.
He added, “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 further revealed that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”
He added, “Over investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor. The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”
Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful, as calls to his number indicated that it was switched off at the time of filing this report.
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