The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, following his alleged involvement in financial misconduct of about N700 billion.
Emmanuel, who governed the oil-rich South-South state from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday after honoring an invitation from the anti-graft agency at its headquarters in Abuja.
He reportedly arrived around 12:30 p.m. before being detained.
A source within the EFCC disclosed that the arrest followed a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), which accused the former governor of money laundering, diversion of funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
“The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel’s administration received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years, yet he left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and uncompleted projects worth N300 billion.
He has been unable to account for N700 billion,” the source stated.
Further investigations, according to the source, uncovered a series of suspicious cash withdrawals amounting to N31 billion from a single government account titled ‘Office of the Governor.’
The withdrawals were reportedly made in cash between 2019 and 2023.
At press time, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or messages seeking an official statement on the matter.
Emmanuel’s arrest marks one of the biggest corruption cases involving a former governor in recent times.
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