Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday took former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel into custody at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
News About Nigeria reports that his arrest follows allegations of mismanaging N700 billion during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The case against Emmanuel began after the civil society group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), submitted a petition accusing him of financial misconduct.
According to the petition, he received over N3 trillion from the Federation Account but left the state with a debt of N500 billion and N300 billion in unpaid projects.
The petitioners claimed he has failed to explain the whereabouts of N700 billion.
Investigations reportedly uncovered that N31 billion was withdrawn in cash from an account under the name ‘Office of the Governor’ between 2019 and 2023.
Officials at the EFCC confirmed his arrest, citing the need to probe the financial records linked to his administration.
A source stated, “We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud. NACAT’s petition prompted our investigation. The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion but left behind a debt of N500 billion and unpaid projects worth N300 billion. He is also unable to account for N700 billion. Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after.
“Our investigations uncovered N31 billion withdrawn in cash from the ‘Office of the Governor’ account.”
So far, the anti-graft agency has not released an official statement regarding the development.
Back in January, NACAT had called for a thorough probe into Emmanuel’s administration.
His aides have dismissed the accusations, with his media assistant, Steven Abia, insisting that the former governor is not disturbed by the allegations.
