Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, facing allegations of a massive N700 billion fraud. Hobnob News has learned that the arrest follows an invitation to the former governor and is linked to accusations of financial mismanagement during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Emmanuel’s arrest, which occurred on Tuesday at the EFCC headquarters, is reportedly based on a petition filed by the civil society organization Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). The petition alleges money laundering, fund diversion, and financial impropriety, claiming that Emmanuel received over N3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind substantial debts and unaccounted funds.
According to sources, the petition asserts that Emmanuel left behind a debt of N500 billion and N300 billion in unpaid ongoing projects. Furthermore, he is alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion. Investigations also reportedly uncovered N31 billion withdrawn in cash from an account titled ‘Office of the Governor’ between 2019 and 2023.
“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud. NACAT’s petition prompted our investigation,” a source revealed. “The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion but left behind a debt of N500 billion and unpaid projects worth N300 billion. He is also unable to account for N700 billion. Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after. Our investigations uncovered N31 billion withdrawn in cash from the ‘Office of the Governor’ account.”
As of now, the EFCC has not released an official statement regarding the arrest. Attempts to reach the agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful.
In January 2025, NACAT had publicly called for investigations into Emmanuel’s administration. At the time, aides to the former governor dismissed the allegations as baseless. His media assistant, Steven Abia, stated that Emmanuel remained unperturbed by the corruption claims.
The arrest of Udom Emmanuel marks a significant development in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The allegations against the former governor are substantial, and the investigation is expected to be closely watched. Hobnob News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
