Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, in connection with an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, reportedly arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after being invited by the anti-corruption agency.
A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Emmanuel was arrested after responding to the EFCC’s invitation to address accusations of money laundering, fund diversion, and embezzlement.
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“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud. The investigation was triggered by a petition from a civil society group, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking,” the source said.
The petition accused Emmanuel of receiving N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure, leaving behind a debt of N500 billion and outstanding projects worth N300 billion. Additionally, he was alleged to have failed to account for N700 billion.
The source added, “Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly thereafter.”
Further investigations reportedly revealed that Emmanuel had withdrawn N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”
The funds were reportedly withdrawn progressively between 2019 and 2023.
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