Crime
EFCC Arrests Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel Over Alleged N700bn Fraud
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EFCC Arrests Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel Over Alleged N700bn Fraud
By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged fraud amounting to ₦700 billion.
Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was reportedly taken into custody on Tuesday after honoring an invitation from the anti-graft agency. He arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. before being detained.
A source within the EFCC confirmed the arrest to The PUNCH, stating, “We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged ₦700 billion fraud. A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation.”
Details regarding the specific allegations against Emmanuel remain unclear, but sources suggest the probe is linked to financial transactions and expenditures during his tenure as governor.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, and efforts to reach Emmanuel’s spokesperson for comment have been unsuccessful.
The arrest comes amid the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption, particularly among former government officials.
