Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, over allegations of a N700 billion fraud. Emmanuel, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, reportedly appeared at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after being invited by the agency.
A source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest, stating, “We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.” The accusations against Emmanuel include money laundering, funds diversion, and stealing.
The investigation was prompted by a petition from the civil society group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking. The petition claims that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his tenure but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion, alongside unpaid projects valued at N300 billion. The source further revealed that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account titled “Office of the Governor.”
Efforts to contact Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, for further comment were unsuccessful.