Men  of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, following an invitation to the former governor.

The Immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom state,  reportedly arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

The arrest stemmed from a petition by the civil society organisation Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT). The petition alleged that Emmanuel received over N3 trillion from the Federation Account but left behind a debt of N500 billion and N300 billion in unpaid ongoing projects. He is also said to be unable to account for N700 billion.

Investigations reportedly revealed N31 billion withdrawn in cash from an account titled ‘Office of the Governor’ between 2019 and 2023.

A source stated, “We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud. NACAT’s petition prompted our investigation. 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.

Adebayo Samuel reports that the Former Governor has since been released.