Akpabio in EFCC Custody Over N108.1 bn Alleged Fraud

Yemi Adebowale

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, was on Friday arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

According to reports, Mr. Akpabio was taken in by EFCC operatives at about 5.20 pm.

He was said to have been accompanied a few aides and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Ricky Tarfa.

An aide to the former governor, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that Mr. Akpabio is currently being interrogated by top officials of the EFCC.

An EFCC source has since confirmed the development.

“He was brought in at about 5.20 pm accompanied by a few aides and Mr. Rickey Tarfa,” the source said.

“It is not yet known whether he will be allowed to go this night. It depends on how the interrogation goes.”

The EFCC had begun investigation into alleged theft of N108.1billion of Akwa Ibom funds by the former governor in June.

The action followed a petition forwarded to the commission by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong.

Mr. Ekpenyong had on June 8 petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC, calling for Mr. Akpabio’s probe and accusing him of looting Akwa Ibom state treasury.

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