Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, in connection with an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023, reportedly arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after honoring an invitation from the anti-graft agency. Sources within the commission confirmed his arrest shortly after his arrival.
The investigation was triggered by a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, which accused Emmanuel of financial mismanagement, including the diversion of funds and money laundering. According to the petition, Akwa Ibom received over N3 trillion from the Federation Account during Emmanuel’s tenure, yet the state was left with a debt of N500 billion and over N300 billion in abandoned projects.
Investigators also uncovered suspicious cash withdrawals totaling N31 billion from an account named “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023.
