Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom State Udom Emmanuel, on allegations of money laundering and fraudulent diversion of funds, amounting to N700 billion.
Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was apprehended after he responded to an invitation from the EFCC on Tuesday. The arrest follows a petition filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, which accused Emmanuel of financial mismanagement during his tenure.
According to the petitioner, Emmanuel allegedly received a total of N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years, but left behind a staggering N500 billion debt. In addition, the former governor is accused of failing to account for N700 billion, with ongoing projects valued at N300 billion left unpaid.
The EFCC is currently conducting further investigations, with Emmanuel being questioned by the operatives. At the time of filing this report, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment.
In a related development, the EFCC recently arraigned Theodore Orji, former governor of Abia State, along with four others, at the Abia State High Court. The charges against them include misappropriating approximately N47 billion during Orji’s tenure as governor. The defendants—Orji’s son, Chinedum Orji; former Commissioner of Finance for Abia, Philip Nto; contractor Obioma King; and former Director of Finance for Abia, Romas Madu face a series of 16 charges, including conspiracy to steal and convert government funds meant for various state programs.
The charges allege that between 2011 and 2015, the group misappropriated N22.5 billion allocated for security votes, stole N13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and illegally converted N12 billion from a Paris Club refund. They are also accused of diverting N10.5 billion from a loan provided by First Bank for Abia’s state and local councils, along with N2 billion intended for small and medium enterprises.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. The case has been adjourned until June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
