Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria have arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of financial misconduct amounting to ₦700 billion.
The former governor was taken into custody on Tuesday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, following an invitation for questioning. His arrest is linked to accusations of money laundering, fund diversion, and financial mismanagement during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Sources revealed that the investigation stemmed from a petition filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). The petition alleged that Emmanuel received over ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a ₦500 billion debt and ₦300 billion in unpaid projects. Additionally, he is said to be unable to account for ₦700 billion.
Further investigations reportedly uncovered ₦31 billion withdrawn in cash from an account labeled “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023.
While the EFCC has yet to release an official statement, its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not responded to inquiries regarding the arrest.
In January 2025, NACAT had called for a probe into Emmanuel’s administration. However, his aides dismissed the allegations as baseless, with his media assistant, Steven Abia, stating that the former governor remained unbothered by the corruption claims.
