Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of financial mismanagement and money laundering amounting to N700 billion.
Arrest and Allegations
Emmanuel was taken into custody on Tuesday after voluntarily honouring an EFCC invitation for questioning. His arrest follows a petition filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), which accused him of mismanaging trillions of naira during his eight-year tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
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According to the petition, Emmanuel received a total of N3 trillion from the Federation Account while in office but left the state with a debt profile of N500 billion and uncompleted projects worth N300 billion. The petitioners alleged that he failed to account for N700 billion of state funds.
EFCC Investigation Ongoing
Sources within the EFCC confirmed that the anti-graft agency is currently interrogating Emmanuel regarding the allegations. However, details of the investigation remain undisclosed as of press time.
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EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments regarding the arrest.
Udom Emmanuel’s Political Background
Udom Emmanuel, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served two terms as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. Before his governorship, he was an investment banker and held key positions in the banking sector. His tenure was marked by infrastructural projects and industrial initiatives, though allegations of financial mismanagement trailed his administration.
Editor’s Note
The arrest of a high-profile former governor underscores the EFCC’s intensified efforts in tackling corruption among public officials. If the allegations against Emmanuel are substantiated, it could lead to a high-profile prosecution, further reinforcing the agency’s stance on financial accountability.
