The embattled former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, is off the hook, albeit temporarily, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) set him free after long interrogation at the Abuja office of the commission.
The former governor, who is also the Senate Minority Leader, is accused of allegedly mismanaging 108.1 billion naira while he was in office.
His invitation by the EFCC followed a petition by an Abuja based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpeyong.
The lawyer had petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC, calling for Akpabio’s probe, accusing him of looting Akwa Ibom Treasury.
The former governor, now Senator, was elected in 2007 at a time the state enjoyed robust oil revenue.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State had visited the office of the EFCC for questioning on Friday, accompanied by his lawyers and a few aides.
Akpabio’s media team on Saturday debunked the reports that he was arrested.
“Senator Akpabio was never arrested. He simply obliged an invitation to come and answer some questions at the EFCC headquarters.
“Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide. That’s why he walked into EFCC himself this evening to answer questions about his tenure in Akwa Ibom.
“Those who are playing politics with the decision of Senator Akpabio to honour the EFCC invitation must be acting a known script.
“Senator Akpabio was called from the EFCC to come for explanations and he drove there himself 50 minutes later. So, why all the news of arrest?” the media team said via Twitter.
