Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of a N700 billion fraud. Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, reportedly arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, in response to an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
According to a source within the EFCC, Emmanuel was arrested following a petition by the civil society organization, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking. The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. Additionally, he was accused of being unable to account for N700 billion.
Investigations also revealed that N31 billion in cash was withdrawn from an account named “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023. The EFCC has yet to officially confirm the arrest, but the case highlights ongoing efforts to address allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement in public office.
