Gov Udom Emmanuel
EFCC arrests ex-Akwa Ibom Gov Udom Emmanuel over alleged N700bn fraud
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Udom Emmanuel, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, for alleged fraud involving N700 billion.
Emmanuel was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an EFCC invitation to address accusations of money laundering and fund diversion brought forward by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking.
The petitioner claims that during his eight-year tenure as governor, Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a debt of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects valued at N300 billion.
Additionally, he is alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion. EFCC investigations are ongoing, with Emmanuel currently being interrogated by operatives.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful.
Emmanuel, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023.
This development follows last Friday’s arraignment of Theodore Orji, former governor of Abia State, and four others at the Abia State High Court for allegedly misappropriating approximately N47 billion.
The defendants include Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Commissioner of Finance Dr. Philip Nto; government contractor Obioma King; and former Director of Finance Romas Madu.
They face a 16-count charge related to conspiracy, theft, and the illegal conversion of funds intended for various government programs.
Specifically, they are accused of misusing N22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015, stealing N13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and illegally converting N12 billion from the Paris Club refund. Additionally, they are alleged to have diverted N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for Abia State and local councils, as well as N2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. The case has been adjourned to June 18th and 19th, 2025, for trial.
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