Ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Released by EFCC as Allegations Remain Unclear

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel after questioning him over an alleged ₦700 billion fraud. Emmanuel was reportedly taken into custody at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, after arriving at around 12:30 p.m. in response to an invitation by the commission.

The former governor was questioned regarding allegations of money laundering, fund diversion, and theft, which were brought against him by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NCAT), a civil society organization. According to sources within the EFCC, the petition against Emmanuel claims he received ₦3 trillion from the Federation Account during his eight-year tenure as governor but left the state with a ₦500 billion debt and ongoing projects worth ₦300 billion that remain unpaid.

Additionally, he is accused of failing to account for ₦700 billion, further intensifying scrutiny over his financial management while in office. The EFCC has not publicly commented on the specifics of the allegations or whether the former governor may face further questioning.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Lere Olayinka, the Special Adviser on Public Communication to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, confirmed Emmanuel’s release in a post on 𝕏. “Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, back home after honoring EFCC invitation yesterday,” Olayinka wrote.

Despite Emmanuel’s release, the EFCC has yet to issue any official statement regarding his questioning or the details of the case against him. It remains unclear whether further investigations or legal actions will follow.