Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, was not detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his lawyer Uwemedimo Nwoko (SAN) has clarified.
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, Nwoko described reports alleging that Emmanuel was held overnight by the anti-graft agency as false and misleading.
Emmanuel had honoured the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday following a petition by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) over alleged money laundering and diversion of funds.
Nwoko stated that the former governor was only questioned and allowed to leave the commission’s office the same day.
“Let them go to his house and see if he’s not there. I was with him at the EFCC. He was invited, he honored the invitation, went through the process, and we all returned home,” Nwoko said.
He also dismissed reports linking Emmanuel to a ₦700 billion fraud, saying the allegation was never raised during the session.
READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Ex-Akwa Ibom Gov Udom Emmanuel Over Alleged ₦700bn Fraud
Similarly, Emmanuel’s media aide, Barr. Stephen Abia, condemned the reports, describing them as a deliberate attempt to smear the former governor’s reputation.
“An invitation is not a conviction. Mr. Udom Emmanuel left for his home the same evening after a routine exercise with the EFCC,” Abia said.
He urged the media to avoid sensationalism, insisting that Emmanuel remains a man of integrity open to lawful engagements.