By
Solomon Odeniyi
A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, was on Tuesday detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N700bn fraud.
Emmanuel, who served as governor between 2015 and 2023, reportedly arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
A government official privy to the development, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, told our correspondent that Emmanuel was arrested after honouring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.
“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700bn fraud. A civil society organisation, called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation,” the source said.
“The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3tn from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500bn and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300bn. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700bn.
“Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after.”
The source further revealed that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”
“Over investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor. The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”
Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful, as calls to his number indicated that it was switched off.
Credit: Punch
