By Ayomide Otitoju
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel over allegations of misappropriating ₦700 billion during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Emmanuel was detained on Tuesday after honoring an EFCC invitation to respond to allegations of money laundering and fund diversion, which were filed by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking.
According to the petition, Emmanuel’s administration received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left the state with a ₦500 billion debt and ₦300 billion in unpaid projects. He is accused of being unable to account for ₦700 billion.
His arrest comes just days after the EFCC arraigned former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four others on charges of misappropriating ₦47 billion. Orji, his son Chinedum Orji, and three former officials were arraigned at the Abia State High Court on a 16-count charge, including conspiracy to steal and the illegal conversion of public funds.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants misappropriated ₦22.5 billion in security votes between 2011 and 2015, diverted ₦13 billion from a Diamond Bank loan, and illegally converted ₦12 billion from the Paris Club refund. They also allegedly diverted ₦10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant for Abia State and ₦2 billion from a Central Bank of Nigeria fund intended for small and medium enterprises.
All five pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. The case has been adjourned to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on former government officials, as part of efforts to recover looted funds and combat financial corruption in Nigeria.
