Former Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into suspected financial mismanagement, diversion of public funds, and large-scale money laundering during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Emmanuel reportedly arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving an invitation from the anti-graft agency. However, after a preliminary session with investigators, he was detained for further questioning regarding the allegations against him.
A source within the commission disclosed that Emmanuel’s arrest was triggered by a petition from a civil society group, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, NACAT, The petition alleged that despite receiving N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years, the former governor left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and uncompleted projects worth N300 billion. He is also accused of failing to account for N700 billion in state funds.
As part of the investigation, officials reportedly uncovered a suspicious withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from an account labeled “Office of the Governor.” The withdrawals, which spanned from 2019 to 2023, were allegedly conducted in phases. Investigators suspect that these transactions were meant to siphon funds for private use or undisclosed expenditures.
Following his detention, Emmanuel is expected to provide explanations regarding the alleged missing funds, including how the state’s resources were managed during his time in office. The EFCC is also scrutinizing financial records and contracts awarded under his administration to determine if there was deliberate misappropriation of funds.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement on Udom’s arrest.
The latest arrest adds to the growing list of former governors being investigated for corruption, as the EFCC continues its crackdown on financial crimes involving public officials.
Crediblenewsng.com
