Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
A source revealed that Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation by the anti-graft agency.
According to the source, the former governor was arrested after responding to questions about allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing during his eight years in office.
“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud,” the source said.
The investigation was reportedly triggered by a petition from a civil society group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking.
The petitioner accused Emmanuel of receiving N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but leaving behind a debt of N500 billion and unfinished projects worth N300 billion.
“He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion,” the source added.
Further investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”
“Our investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash from one account. The money was withdrawn progressively between 2019 and 2023,” the source stated.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, had not responded to phone calls for confirmation.
