EFCC Detains Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel Over Alleged N700 Billion Fraud

EFCC Detains Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel Over Alleged N700 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, into custody over allegations of financial mismanagement totaling N700 billion.

Emmanuel, who governed Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023, was reportedly arrested after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, following an official invitation from the anti-corruption agency.

The investigation stems from a petition submitted by a civil society group known as the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). According to the petition, Emmanuel is accused of mismanaging over N3 trillion received by the state from the Federation Account during his tenure. Despite this revenue inflow, the petition alleges that the former governor left behind debts exceeding N500 billion, along with unfinished projects valued at around N300 billion.

Further reports indicate that a single government account linked to the "Office of the Governor" recorded cash withdrawals totaling approximately N31 billion between 2019 and 2023. This discovery raised further red flags, prompting closer scrutiny by the anti-graft agency.