The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel over alleged financial misconduct totaling N700 billion.
Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an invitation from the EFCC at its headquarters in Abuja.
The arrest followed a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), which accused Emmanuel of money laundering, diversion of funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
According to the petition, Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion.
Investigations revealed a cash withdrawal of N31 billion from a single account named “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023.
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had not responded to calls or replied to a text message seeking an update on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
