EFCC Grabs Akwa Ibom Ex-gov Udom Emmanuel For N700bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has netted the immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State over an alleged N700 billion fraud.
He was arrested after honouring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.
In honouring an invitation from the anti-graft agency, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) two-term Governor (2015 to 2023) arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4,.
An EFCC operative said: “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.
“Over 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 The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”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 petitioner accused Emmanuel of receiving N3 trillion from the Federation Account in eight years but left 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.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments and confirmation.
Last Friday, the EFCC arraigned a former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and four others, at the Abia State High Court for allegedly misappropriating about ₦47 billion.
Apart from Orji, the other four defendants are his son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State Dr. Philip Nto; a government contractor Obioma King; and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu.
They were all arraigned before the Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy to steal and convert billions of naira meant for various government programmes.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail with the case adjourned till June 18th and 19th, 2025 for trial.
