The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, over allegations of financial misconduct involving N700 billion.
Mr. Udom, who governed the oil-rich state from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency. His arrest and subsequent detention were linked to accusations of money laundering, fund diversion, and financial misappropriation, a source familiar with the investigation confirmed.
According to the report, the investigation stems from a petition submitted by the civil society organisation, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). According to the group, during his tenure, Udom received an estimated N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but allegedly left the state burdened with N500 billion in debt and an additional N300 billion in outstanding payments for ongoing projects.
A key aspect of the EFCC’s probe includes the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from an account identified as the “Office of the Governor” between 2019 and 2023. Investigators are scrutinizing these transactions to determine whether they were linked to the alleged N700 billion unaccounted for during his administration.
An EFCC source disclosed that Udom is being questioned over his handling of state finances and unexplained expenditures. However, as of the time of this report, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, was unavailable for comments.
Udom’s arrest marks another high-profile case in the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on financial corruption involving former public officials. Further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.
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