Udom Emmanuel
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel over allegations of a N700 billion fraud.
He was reportedly arrested on Tuesday and is still at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
His arrest followed a petition by an anti-corruption organization detailing how the Emmanuel allegedly embezzled the state’s funds.
Udom Emmanuel who served from 2015 to 2023, faces accusations of money laundering, fund diversion, and financial mismanagement during his tenure, reports Vanguard newspaper.
The arrest stemmed from a petition by the civil society organization, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). The petition alleged that Emmanuel received over N3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a debt of N500 billion and N300 billion in unpaid ongoing projects. He is also said to be unable to account for N700 billion.
Investigations reportedly revealed N31 billion withdrawn in cash from an account titled ‘Office of the Governor’ between 2019 and 2023.
A source stated, “We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud. NACAT’s petition prompted our investigation. The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion but left behind a debt of N500 billion and unpaid projects worth N300 billion. He is also unable to account for N700 billion. Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after. Our investigations uncovered N31 billion withdrawn in cash from the ‘Office of the Governor’ account.”
-Vanguard
