The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N700 billion 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, March 4, following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
Punch reports that a source in the agency said 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 N700 billion fraud. A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation. The petitioner alleged that 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. 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 N31 billion 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 The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023,” the source said
The agency is yet to confirm his arrest.
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