Ex-minister claims Eno pushed for EFCC investigation of former Akwa Ibom governor

Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, John Akpanudoedehe, claims that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State pushed for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

Mr Akpanudoedehe, who is the Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made this claim during an interview over the weekend.

“I am not speaking on behalf of Udom Emmanuel,” Mr Akpanudoedehe, a former senator, stated.

“This governor who used to kneel down for him, they have taken everything, even asking EFCC to seize Udom Emmanuel’s house in Lagos, where he lives. You are looking for someone to kneel down? It is what is called satanic humility.”

Mr Akpanudoedehe also mentioned that the EFCC is going after some former commissioners who worked under Mr Emmanuel.

“Someone will make me governor and I will ask that his house be seized and pursue all the commissioners who used to work for him,” he said.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed these claims. They accused Mr Akpanudoedehe of making “false, reckless and completely unsubstantiated allegations” against Mr Eno.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah stated that Mr Eno has never reported Mr Emmanuel to the EFCC.

“To be clear, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC,” Mr Umanah said, quoting the governor as saying: “I make bold to say that I have never reported anyone, talk more of my predecessor in office, to the EFCC. I stand to be challenged or contradicted.”

The state government said Mr Eno respects his predecessors and is focused on reconciliation and political peace.

It mentioned that he has kept officials who served under Mr Emmanuel and continued projects started by earlier administrations as proof of Mr Eno’s attitude towards his predecessors.

EFCC Investigation

This disagreement comes as the EFCC is investigating Mr Emmanuel.

PREMIUM TIMES reported in March 2025 that the former governor was arrested after responding to an invitation from the EFCC over claims of money laundering, fund diversion, and allegedly stealing N700 billion.

Sources close to Mr Emmanuel told PREMIUM TIMES that his problems worsened after his security details were taken away.

One source said the removal of his security personnel from his residences, including his home in Lagos, increased the pressure on Mr Emmanuel.

PREMIUM TIMES reported in October last year that police, reportedly acting on orders from Governor Eno, removed their officers from Mr Emmanuel’s homes in Akwa Ibom.

The sources also claimed that properties linked to Mr Emmanuel, including houses built in Ikoyi in 2009 and another in 2011, were being targeted by the EFCC.

“Why do you think Udom Emmanuel, despite not being in APC and after being politically silent since leaving office, came out twice to declare support for Mr President?” one source asked.

“He was just trying to survive as the forces against him are strong.”

PREMIUM TIMES reported in December that Mr Emmanuel asked Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu to solve Nigeria’s issues. He repeated this support in July.

Two of the three sources contacted by PREMIUM TIMES claimed that Mr Eno was using his influence to push the EFCC case against Mr Emmanuel with help from his “new political godfathers.”

Another source said the investigation also targets some commissioners and members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from Mr Emmanuel’s time.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently confirm these claims.

Government's Warning

In its response, the Akwa Ibom State Government accused Mr Akpanudoedehe of trying to stir trouble in the state. They warned political figures against making statements that could disrupt public peace.

They also mentioned the political unrest from the 2011 governorship election, claiming Mr Akpanudoedehe was involved in events that led to violence, destruction, and arson, including burning vehicles meant for public transport.

The government said Mr Akpanudoedehe was later arrested and prosecuted for his role in the crisis.

“Akwa Ibom will not go back to politics filled with bitterness, destruction, and instability,” Mr Umanah said.

The government emphasized that Mr Eno is focused on his administration’s ARISE Agenda, highlighting roads, bridges, schools, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and aviation projects.

They also noted that they are commissioning 39 projects to celebrate the state’s 39th anniversary.

The government stated that Mr Akpanudoedehe, like every citizen, has the right to engage in politics and seek office, but claimed those rights do not include spreading lies or inciting the public.

Emmanuel's Aide Responds

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to Mr Emmanuel’s media aide, Stephen Abia, for a response to Mr Akpanudoedehe’s claims.

“I can neither confirm nor deny this. Thank you,” Mr Abia replied to our reporter.

The newspaper also tried to contact EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, via calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages, including a reminder, to find out if the agency received any request from Mr Eno regarding Mr Emmanuel or his properties.

Mr Oyewale had not replied by the time of this report.

PREMIUM TIMES specifically asked the EFCC to clarify if it had received any request to seize Mr Emmanuel’s Lagos home and if the agency was taking action against the former governor or his former commissioners.

The EFCC’s silence means the allegations could not be confirmed at the time of this report.