Ex-Akwa Ibom Gov, Udom Emmanuel, in EFCC’s Custody over Alleged N700bn Fraud

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The immediate past governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Emmanuel was detained after he honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency over allegations bordering on N700 billion fraud.

Emmanuel, who was governor of Akwa-Ibom State between 2015 and 2023, had arrived at the Abuja head office of the Commission, yesterday, to answer to money laundering and misappropriation of state funds brought against him by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT).

The network alleged that the former governor received N3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a debt burden of N500 billion and an additional N300 billion in unpaid ongoing projects.

Besides, it was said Emmanuel was unable to account for N700 billion.

Meanwhile, a source disclosed that investigations revealed there was a withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”

According to the source, “The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”

Spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, has not been available to speak on the issue.