Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel Arrested Over Alleged N700 Billion Fraud

In a shocking development, Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of N700 billion fraud ¹. Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was taken into custody on Tuesday after arriving at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. in response to an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

The arrest comes on the heels of a petition filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), a civil society group, which alleged that Emmanuel’s administration was marred by large-scale corruption and embezzlement of public funds ¹. The petition, dated January 21, 2025, was addressed to the chairmen of both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While the EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the matter, Emmanuel’s arrest signals a fresh wave of corruption investigations into former public officials. The former governor’s detention has sparked widespread interest, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the EFCC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.