The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has been detained by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over serious allegations of financial misconduct, including the misappropriation of public funds totalling approximately N700 billion. This comes after an official summons from the anti-graft agency, which has sparked widespread attention and raised concerns over financial management in Nigeria’s state governments.
Emmanuel, who served as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023, was invited to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. The investigation primarily centres on accusations of money laundering, fund diversion, and other related financial irregularities that occurred during his tenure.
According to sources within the EFCC, the summons was prompted by a formal petition filed by the civil society group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking. The group alleged that over the course of Emmanuel’s eight-year term, he had received a staggering N3 trillion from the Federation Account, which is meant to be used for the development and welfare of Akwa Ibom State. However, the petition suggests that these funds were allegedly mismanaged, leaving behind a legacy of financial discrepancies, including a massive debt of N500 billion and a series of incomplete projects worth N300 billion.
One of the most serious allegations against Emmanuel concerns a series of suspicious transactions linked to an account under the label “Office of the Governor.” Investigations have revealed that between 2019 and 2023, this account saw withdrawals totalling N31 billion. These withdrawals, according to the EFCC’s early findings, raise serious questions about the handling of public funds under Emmanuel’s administration.
The nature and purpose of the N31 billion withdrawn from the Governor’s account remain unclear, and this has further intensified scrutiny of the former governor’s financial practices. The EFCC is expected to delve deeper into these financial transactions as part of its ongoing investigation into how such large sums of public money were handled during his time in office.
The accusations have created a storm of controversy, especially as they come at a time when Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with the country’s long-standing issues with corruption and the mismanagement of public funds.
The civil society group Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, which lodged the formal petition, has been a vocal advocate for greater accountability in government and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Their petition against Udom Emmanuel highlights concerns that public officials are often able to get away with financial misconduct due to weak oversight and accountability measures.
Speaking about the allegations, a representative of the group expressed their disappointment at the alleged financial mismanagement under Emmanuel’s leadership. “This is yet another example of the systemic corruption that has plagued our country for too long. We are committed to seeing that justice is done, and that public officials are held accountable for their actions,” the spokesperson said.
While many Nigerians have welcomed the EFCC’s investigation into Emmanuel’s financial dealings, there are concerns that similar cases of corruption might be overlooked or not pursued with the same level of intensity, especially when powerful figures are involved.
The civil society group’s petition goes beyond the N700 billion allegedly misappropriated. It also claims that during Emmanuel’s tenure, Akwa Ibom received N3 trillion from the Federation Account, a significant portion of which was allegedly misused or not properly accounted for. The group has pointed to numerous uncompleted projects, which it claims were poorly executed or abandoned altogether despite significant funding.
Among the most concerning of these projects are the state’s roads and infrastructure developments. The uncompleted projects, estimated at N300 billion, include major road networks and public facilities that were expected to boost economic growth in the state. However, these projects were either left incomplete or have faced delays due to alleged mismanagement of resources.
The lack of accountability over these funds has led to growing public dissatisfaction, especially among residents of Akwa Ibom who feel that the state’s resources were not used to their full potential. The civil society group’s petition aims to hold the former governor accountable for what they describe as a “wasted opportunity” for development.
