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Ex-gov Akpabio arrested by EFCC

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EFCC investigates Akpabio, may seize his properties

As reported by Ripples Nigeria on September 16, 2015, that former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and incumbent Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswil Akpabio might be arrested when he returns from his overseas medical trip, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arrested him over alleged multi-billion naira fraud.

Akpabio was taken in by EFCC operatives at about 5.20 pm, and said to have been accompanied by some of his aides and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Ricky Tarfa.

An EFCC source confirmed that the former governor is under interrogation by top officials of the anti-graft agency. He is  accused of N101.8billion fraud, mismanagement of state funds,  and plunging the state into huge indebtedness.

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

Read also: Exclusive… Arms cache: Noose tightens around Akpabio

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

Spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, did not answer or return calls seeking official response on the development.

Following a petition forwarded to the commission by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong, the EFCC had begun investigation into alleged theft of N108.1billion of Akwa Ibom funds by the former governor in June.

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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