The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of a N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
A source within the EFCC, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that Emmanuel was taken into custody after responding to the agency’s summons.
The investigation stems from allegations of money laundering, fund diversion, and financial misappropriation.
The case was reportedly triggered by a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, a civil society group. The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his tenure but left the state with a N500 billion debt and unfinished projects worth N300 billion. He is also accused of failing to account for N700 billion.
Further investigations revealed the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single government account named “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023.
Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.
(Prompt news)