EFCC Grills Ex-Akwa Ibom Gov Udom for Alleged ₦700bn Fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, for alleged N700 billion Fraud.

Emmanuel was arrested after he honoured an invitation of the EFCC on Tuesday to answer allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds preferred against him by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking.

The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account in eight years but left a debt profile of N500bn and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300bn. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700bn.

The EFCC’s investigations are ongoing with Emmanuel being grilled by operatives.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached when contacted.

Emmanuel served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Last Friday, the EFCC arraigned a former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and four others, at the Abia State High Court for allegedly misappropriating about ₦47bn.

Apart from the former governor, the other four defendants are his son, Engineer Chinedum Orji; a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State Dr. Philip Nto; a government contractor Obioma King; and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu.

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They were all arraigned before the Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy to steal and convert billions of naira meant for various government programmes.

Specifically, they are accused of misappropriating N22.5 billion allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015, stealing ₦13 billion from a loan facility granted by Diamond Bank, and the illegal conversion of N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.

Lastly, they are also accused of converting ₦10.5 billion from a loan granted by First Bank, meant for the Abia State government and its local councils, along with ₦2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail with the case adjourned till June 18th and 19th, 2025 for trial.