Akwa Ibom
EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims
EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims
Michael Itok, a Facebook user known for his controversial online commentary, has been arrested by security authorities over alleged misinformation and defamatory publications.
According to sources, Itok is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters and is expected to be arraigned on multiple charges linked to recent posts made on his Facebook page.
His arrest follows a series of online publications concerning Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on allegations of defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in what the Commission described as a fraudulent mineral and seaport investment scheme. The EFCC had, in a statement published on its official Facebook page on February 2, 2026, disclosed that Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge.
In response to the EFCC’s action, Itok allegedly posted claims suggesting that Thompson’s arrest was motivated by personal issues unrelated to the fraud allegations. Authorities, however, consider those claims to be false and capable of misleading the public, particularly as investigations into the fraud case are ongoing.
Investigators maintain that the charges against Thompson relate strictly to alleged financial crimes involving foreign investors. Individuals mentioned in Itok’s posts have denied the claims attributed to them, describing the narrative as fabricated and damaging.
Security sources further indicated that Itok’s recent publications were not limited to the Thompson matter. He reportedly authored additional posts targeting other public figures in Akwa Ibom State, which authorities are reviewing as part of a broader investigation into alleged cyber defamation and blackmail.
Records show that Itok was previously arrested in October 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory publications against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. Media reports at the time indicated that he was detained for over 60 days before being granted bail in December 2019 by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in the sum of N500,000.
With the current arrest, authorities say the case underscores renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to address online misinformation, cyber harassment and related offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, especially in matters involving ongoing criminal investigations.
Akwa Ibom
How Governor Eno’s Ambulance Service Saved Life In Akwa Ibom Community
How Governor Eno’s Ambulance Service Saved Life In Akwa Ibom Community
How Governor Eno’s ambulance service saved life in Akwa Ibom community. Just few minutes ago along Udo Udoma Avenue, by the Aka Junction in Uyo, a young lady reportedly slumped while attempting to cross the road. What could have ended in tragedy.
A single call was placed to the state’s emergency ambulance service, and within minutes, the response team was already on ground, providing immediate medical attention.
This swift intervention underscores the impacts of Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership. It shows the value placed on human life by the current administration.

Ambulance
Such prompt response is not only commendable but also a demonstration of the current administration’s commitment to implementing impactful programmes through the ARISE Agenda.
May God continue to bless and strengthen our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as he continue to lead with compassion, foresight, and genuine concern for the people.
Abuja
Umo Eno Visits Akwa Ibom Community In Abuja, Vows For More Project, Donates 18-Seater Bus
Umo Eno Visits Akwa Ibom Community In Abuja, Vows For More Project, Donates 18-Seater Bus
Umo Eno visits Akwa Ibom community in Abuja, vows for more project, donates 18-seater bus…As Community Decorates Governor Eno as Grand Patron, Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for 2027.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in the Federal Capital Territory of more developmental projects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, strategic asset repositioning, and improved welfare for citizens both at home and in the diaspora.
The Governor gave the assurance during his visit to the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, where he attended the community’s general meeting on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and engaged members on the development priorities of his administration under the ARISE Agenda.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno disclosed plans for the Ibom Hotels and Apartments Project in Abuja, which will replace the moribund old liaison office, transforming the asset into a viable hospitality and commercial hub capable of generating revenue for the state and creating employment opportunities.
He also announced plans for the development of an Ibom Housing Estate in Abuja to provide decent and affordable accommodation for Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in the nation’s capital.
Beyond road infrastructure, the Governor highlighted several key projects executed by his administration across multiple sectors, stressing that development under the ARISE Agenda extends well beyond the construction of 1,210 kilometres of roads across the state.
According to him, the administration is currently implementing 84 priority projects strategically spread across critical sectors including tourism, transportation, aviation, maritime development, healthcare, education, rural development, housing, water supply, and economic empowerment.
“Our development drive is holistic. Beyond roads, we have deliberately focused on projects that directly touch lives and strengthen communities across Akwa Ibom State,” Governor Eno said.
Earlier, the President of the Community, Nkpisong Barr. Gabriel Fan, commended Governor Eno for the developmental strides recorded under the ARISE Agenda and pledged the full support of the community for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno ahead of 2027. He also decorated the Governor as the Grand Patron of the Community, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the welfare of Akwa Ibom people.
As a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of the community, Governor Eno donated an 18-seater bus to the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, a gesture that drew applause from members and guests.

Umo Eno
He commended the leadership of the community for fostering unity and maintaining strong ties with developments back home, noting that Akwa Ibom people resident in Abuja remain critical stakeholders in the state’s growth journey.
Members and leaders of the community praised Governor Eno’s inclusive leadership style, people-centred governance, and visible development strides, assuring him of their continued support.
The visit, marked by warmth and renewed commitment, further reinforced Governor Umo Eno’s resolve to carry every Akwa Ibom citizen along in the state’s development process, while strengthening the bond between Akwa Ibom State and its vibrant diaspora community in Abuja.
Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno’s Blueprint For Inclusive Economic Growth; ₦31bn, 31 Local Government, One Vision
Umo Eno’s Blueprint For Inclusive Economic Growth; ₦31bn, 31 Local Government, One Vision
Umo Eno’s blueprint for inclusive economic growth; ₦31bn, 31 Local government, one vision. The recent approval for release of ₦31 billion by the Akwa Ibom State Government for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) marks one of the most consequential economic policy decisions in the state’s recent history. Beyond the impressive headline figure, the structure, intent and timing of this intervention speak volumes about the development philosophy of the Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and the practical depth of his ARISE Agenda.
Under the scheme, each of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State is allocated ₦1 billion, deliberately decentralized to ensure equitable access to finance at the grassroots. This design departs from the traditional top-heavy approach to economic intervention and instead places resources directly where enterprise actually happens, in rural communities, local markets, farms, workshops and informal business clusters.
At its core, the ₦31 billion SME intervention is about access. For decades, the greatest constraint facing small businesses in Akwa Ibom, particularly women-led enterprises, artisans, farmers and informal sector operators, has not been lack of ideas or effort, but lack of affordable finance. Commercial lending structures have historically excluded this segment through prohibitive interest rates, rigid collateral requirements and urban-centric financial models. By routing funding through local government structures, the state government is dismantling these barriers and expanding the economic net to those who were previously invisible to formal finance.
The focus on agriculture, artisan trades and the informal sector is both strategic and timely. Agriculture remains the largest employer of labour in Akwa Ibom State, particularly in rural areas. Targeted financing for farmers, processors and agribusiness cooperatives will not only boost productivity and food security, but also strengthen local value chains and reduce post-harvest losses. In the same vein, artisans, from carpenters and welders to tailors, mechanics and builders, represent the productive backbone of the local economy. Supporting them with working capital and equipment finance directly translates to job creation, skills retention and income stability.
Women-led businesses occupy a special place in this intervention, reflecting Governor Umo Eno’s inclusive development outlook. Women dominate the micro and informal economy, especially in agriculture, trading and small-scale processing. Empowering them financially has a multiplier effect: household welfare improves, children’s education is sustained, and community economies become more resilient. In this sense, the ₦31 billion release is not merely an economic policy; it is also a social investment.
Critically, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the ARISE Agenda; Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security and Education, which has remained the guiding framework of the Umo Eno administration. By injecting capital directly into local economies, the government is tackling rural-urban migration at its roots. When rural enterprises are viable and profitable, young people are less compelled to abandon their communities in search of uncertain opportunities in overcrowded cities. Economic activity stays local, social cohesion is preserved, and development becomes balanced.
The intervention also speaks to the governor’s nuanced understanding of economic development, one that appreciates the interplay between microeconomics and macroeconomics. While large infrastructure projects and macro-level fiscal management remain essential, sustainable growth ultimately depends on the health of the micro economy: small businesses, household enterprises and informal operators.
These entities collectively constitute what economists increasingly recognize as the “underground GDP”, the undocumented but potent economic elixir that drives consumption, employment and local wealth creation.
By deliberately stimulating this underground GDP, the Akwa Ibom State Government is reengineering and reinvigorating the middle class from the bottom up. As SMEs grow, incomes rise, purchasing power expands, and local demand strengthens.
This, in turn, feeds into broader macroeconomic indicators such as internally generated revenue, investment confidence and economic diversification. In essence, the micro economy becomes the engine that powers macroeconomic stability.
Equally important is the psychological impact of this policy. It sends a powerful signal that government understands, values and trusts the everyday entrepreneur. It reinforces confidence among small business owners that governance can be responsive and development-driven. Such confidence is itself an economic asset, encouraging risk-taking, innovation and long-term planning.
Governor Umo Eno’s particular interest in the micro economy does not imply neglect of macroeconomic fundamentals. Rather, it reflects deliberate sequencing, building a strong economic base from the grassroots while maintaining fiscal discipline and strategic oversight at the top. 21This balanced approach is increasingly regarded as best practice in sub-national governance, especially in economies with large informal sectors.

Akwa Ibom
In approving for releasing of the ₦31 billion for SMEs across all local government areas, the Akwa Ibom State Government has demonstrated that inclusive growth is not a slogan but a policy choice. It is a bold affirmation that real economic transformation begins with empowering those who produce, trade, create and serve at the community level.
As implementation unfolds, transparency, accountability and effective monitoring will be critical to maximizing impact. This strategic intervention will not only stimulate enterprise but also redefine the development trajectory of Akwa Ibom State, firmly anchoring prosperity in the hands of its people and giving tangible expression to the promise of the ARISE Agenda.
Chief Patrick Edeke ANIPR writes from Akai-Atti Udesi in Mbo LGA of A’Ibom State
Ekerete Udoh
@highlight
PS: special birthday shout-out to Iliyasu Hamza Roni, Larry Hillz, Chinonyelim Uzoma Uwandi, Sembenge El-Benedicte Ekanem, Nse Eyoh, Iniobong Edet, Mmenyene Sabbas, Exotik Sam, Anthony Bassey Emmanuel, Kingsley Umoffia. Belated birthday wishes to Stopyra Etim Okpoyo, Etim Solomon, Michael Nsentip Okon, Gloria Hanson, Lumenze Chukwu, Joe Edet, Miriam Uwakwe, Thelma Plethora Benson, Rev’d Richard Peters, Comfort Enewara and Frater Effiom Anso.
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