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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly arrested a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, over an alleged N700 billion fraud, a source revealed.
Emmanuel served as governor between 2015 and 2023. A source said he arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters, Jabi, Abuja at about 12:30hours on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, could not answer several phone calls out across his mobile phone.
He was reportedly detained after honouring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing within his eight years in office.
“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 source hinted.
“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 news platform further stressed.
The source further said investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named Office of the Governor.
“Our investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor.
“The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023,” the source added.
