The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged ₦700 billion fraud. Emmanuel was taken into custody on Tuesday after responding to an EFCC summons to address accusations of money laundering and fund diversion leveled against him by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking.
According to the petitioner, Emmanuel received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a ₦500 billion debt and ₦300 billion in unfinished projects. The allegations further claim he cannot account for ₦700 billion of the funds. EFCC operatives are currently interrogating him as part of an ongoing investigation.
Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful.
Emmanuel governed Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) banner.
In a related development, last Friday, the EFCC brought charges against former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four others before the Abia State High Court. The group, which includes Orji’s son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; former Abia Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto; contractor Obioma King; and ex-Director of Finance Romas Madu, faces a 16-count indictment centered on conspiracy to steal and misappropriate roughly ₦47 billion intended for various government initiatives.
The accusations specify that between 2011 and 2015, they misappropriated ₦22.5 billion earmarked for security votes, siphoned ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and diverted ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund. Additionally, they allegedly misdirected ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for the state and its local councils, as well as ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.
All five defendants entered not guilty pleas and were granted bail. The trial has been scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2025, before Chief Judge Justice Lilian Abai.
