Kingsley Kanayo
Former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio was late on Friday evening released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following his arrest by the Commission over investigations relating to alleged N108.1 billion fraud during his time as Governor.
EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed to SIGNAL on Saturday morning that Akpabio was no longer in the custody of the Commission but refrained to make any further comments on the matter.
The arrest of Akpabio, by the EFCC yesterday might not be unconnected with his refusal to honour an earlier invitation to appear before them on August 27, 2015.
Findings revealed that Akpabio incurred the wrath of the anti-graft agency for not turning up on the said date after he had been duly served with the summons to appear and answer questions relating to series of petitions written against him on bordering on the abuse of office, diversion of funds and abuse of public office.
The petitions were sent in by an Abuja-based lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong and native of the state and Oro Youth Movement, one of the socio-political groups in the state, aleging massive looting of Akwa Ibom State funds by the Akpabio administration.
As a prelude to bringing the former governor to justice, the EFCC summoned and interrogated top officials of the administration who worked with him, including the former Finance Commissioner, who is now a Senator, like Akpabio.
However, Akpabio, who was summoned by the agency to appear on August 27, 2015, did not do so.
Akpabio was eventually arrested on Friday and was taken in by EFCC operatives at about 5.20 pm, accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. Ricky Tarfa.
A crack team of EFCC operatives immediately interrogated him. An EFCC operative said: “Akpabio was brought in at about 5.20 pm accompanied by a few aides and Mr. Rickey Tarfa.
“It is not yet known whether he will be allowed to go this night. It depends on how the interrogation goes.”
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