Where Did They Get It From?’ – Akwa Ibom Govt Rubbishes EFCC’s Accusation Against Ex-Gov Udom Emmanuel

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has strongly refuted the ₦700 billion fraud allegations against his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, dismissing them as baseless.

According to, the allegations, raised by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), are currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Abak on Saturday, Eno questioned the credibility of the claims, insisting that such figures did not originate from the state government.

“I don’t know where they got those figures from because they certainly aren’t from Akwa Ibom State. We don’t have such figures,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor criticized what he described as a recurring pattern of tarnishing the reputations of past governors in the oil-rich South-South state since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Eno expressed concern over the repeated investigations into former state leaders, arguing that such actions discourage those in power from giving their best.

“I feel that the way we treat our leaders after they have given their best in service can be very disheartening,” he remarked.

“This has become a trend—from Obong Attah to the distinguished Senate President (Godswill Akpabio), who was also subjected to EFCC scrutiny. Now, it is Governor Udom Emmanuel’s turn.”

The governor insisted that Emmanuel, who led Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023, should be celebrated for his service rather than subjected to allegations.

“A man who has served his state diligently, like Governor Udom Emmanuel, should be honored and respected. This persistent vilification is unjust and should not continue,” he stated.

Eno further dismissed the fraud claims, urging the public to treat them with skepticism.

The EFCC had on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, detained Emmanuel over the alleged ₦700 billion fraud, citing accusations of money laundering and fund diversion during his tenure.