Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of an alleged ₦700 billion fraud.
Emmanuel was taken into custody after honoring an EFCC invitation on Tuesday to respond to charges of money laundering and diversion of funds. The allegations were brought forward by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking, which accused Emmanuel of receiving ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but leaving behind a debt profile of ₦500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth ₦300 billion. Additionally, he is alleged to have failed to account for ₦700 billion.
The EFCC’s investigation into these allegations is ongoing, with Emmanuel currently being questioned by commission operatives. Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful.
Udom Emmanuel served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Related Case: Former Abia Governor Theodore Orji Arraigned Over ₦47bn Misappropriation
In a related development, last Friday, the EFCC arraigned former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four others at the Abia State High Court over the alleged misappropriation of about ₦47 billion. The defendants include Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State, Dr. Philip Nto; government contractor Obioma King; and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu.
The group faces a 16-count charge involving conspiracy to steal and convert funds allocated for various government programs. Specifically, they are accused of misappropriating:
- ₦22.5 billion allocated for security votes between 2011 and 2015,
- ₦13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank,
- ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund,
- ₦10.5 billion from a loan granted by First Bank for the Abia State government and its local councils,
- ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.
Udom Emmanuel
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. The case has been adjourned until June 18th and 19th, 2025, for trial.
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