The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel over alleged N700 billion fraud. Emmanuel honored an EFCC invitation to answer allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds.
The petition, filed by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking, alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion.Emmanuel is also accused of being unable to account for N700 billion. The EFCC’s investigations are ongoing, with Emmanuel being grilled by operatives.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment on the arrest. Emmanuel served as governor from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This development comes on the heels of another EFCC arraignment. Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four others were arraigned at the Abia State High Court for allegedly misappropriating about ₦47 billion.The defendants, including Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji, and three others, pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were granted bail, with the case adjourned until June 18-19, 2025, for trial.
The defendants are accused of misappropriating N22.5 billion allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015. They are also accused of stealing ₦13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank.
Additionally, the defendants are accused of illegally converting N12 billion from the Paris Club refund. They are also accused of converting ₦10.5 billion from a loan granted by First Bank.The EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and bring perpetrators to justice are ongoing. The commission is working to ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable.
The arrest of Udom Emmanuel and the arraignment of Theodore Orji and others demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting transparency in governance.
