The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over allegations of a ₦700 billion fraud.
Allegations Against Udom Emmanuel
Emmanuel was taken into custody after honoring an EFCC invitation on Tuesday regarding accusations of money laundering and fund diversion. The case was filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT).
According to the petition, Emmanuel allegedly received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure but left behind a debt profile of ₦500 billion and uncompleted projects worth ₦300 billion. Additionally, he is accused of being unable to account for ₦700 billion.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for confirmation were unsuccessful.
Udom Emmanuel’s Political Background
Udom Emmanuel served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
EFCC’s Crackdown on Corruption: Ex-Governor Theodore Orji Also Arraigned
This arrest comes just days after the EFCC arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, along with four others, at the Abia State High Court for allegedly misappropriating ₦47 billion.
Key Allegations Against Theodore Orji & Co-Defendants
The four other defendants include:
- Chinedum Orji (his son)
- Dr. Philip Nto (Former Commissioner of Finance, Abia State)
- Obioma King (Government Contractor)
- Romas Madu (Former Director of Finance, Abia State)
They face 16-count charges related to conspiracy, theft, and illegal fund conversion. Key allegations include:
- ₦22.5 billion allegedly misused from security votes (2011-2015)
- ₦13 billion allegedly stolen from a Diamond Bank loan
- ₦12 billion misappropriated from the Paris Club refund
- ₦10.5 billion diverted from a First Bank loan meant for Abia State and local councils
- ₦2 billion allegedly taken from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds meant for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Court Proceedings & Bail Conditions
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. The case has been adjourned to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
EFCC’s Commitment to Fighting Corruption
The recent arrests of Udom Emmanuel and Theodore Orji highlight the EFCC’s intensified crackdown on corruption in Nigeria. The anti-graft agency remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
As the legal battle unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how these high-profile corruption cases progress. Stay tuned for more updates on EFCC investigations and the fight against financial crime in Nigeria.
