The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, addressed public speculations and clarified yesterday that he had not been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Instead, he stated that he had simply “honoured” an invitation from the commission. The situation arose after reports suggested that Emmanuel had been detained by the EFCC on Tuesday concerning allegations of a N700 billion fraud. Having served as governor from 2015 to 2023, Emmanuel returned to his home yesterday following what was described as a session with the anti-corruption agency in Abuja.
In a statement released by his media aide, Stephen Abia, it was asserted that the former governor’s visit to the EFCC headquarters amounted to nothing more than a routine procedure. Abia emphasized that Emmanuel attended the meeting with the EFCC voluntarily and in a spirit reflecting his deep sense of patriotism and civic duty. The statement sought to underline that such invitations are extended to numerous Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic or political status, and are part of regular investigative processes.
Moreover, Abia highlighted that some quarters of the media, allegedly influenced by Emmanuel’s critics and political opponents, had misrepresented the invitation as tantamount to a conviction. He urged objective observers to recognize the fundamental difference between receiving and complying with an invitation and being arrested, which involves distinct legal implications.
