Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an invitation from the anti-graft agency at its headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m.
Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an invitation from the anti-graft agency at its headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m.
A source confirmed to The PUNCH that the arrest followed a petition from the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), which accused Emmanuel of financial misconduct, including money laundering, diversion of funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
“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 said.
The source further disclosed that investigations revealed a cash withdrawal of N31 billion from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”
The money was reportedly withdrawn in cash between 2019 and 2023.
As of the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or replied to a text message from SaharaReporters seeking an update on the matter.
CREDIT: SAHARA REPORTERS