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Former Delta Governor Okowa visits EFCC office amid corruption probe
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Former Delta Governor Okowa visits EFCC office amid corruption probe

From Premium Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa visited the EFCC office in Lagos for questioning over alleged diversion of state funds.
  • The investigation focuses on the alleged misuse of 13% derivation allocation funds during his 2015-2023 tenure.
  • Okowa, who denies wrongdoing, is also seeking the release of his international passport for medical treatment.

Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa appeared at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Lagos on Monday as the anti-graft agency continues its probe into alleged fund diversion during his administration. Sources indicate Okowa's visit is connected to the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of Delta State's 13% derivation funds between 2015 and 2023.

This is not the first time Okowa has faced the EFCC regarding these allegations. He was previously questioned in November 2024 in Port Harcourt concerning the management of funds received by the oil-producing state during his eight-year term. Reports at the time suggested that some funds were allegedly diverted for private investments and asset acquisition.

Sources within the commission suggest Okowa's latest visit might be linked to his request to have his international passport released for medical travel. However, it remains unclear if the EFCC granted this request. The investigation is one of the EFCC's most closely watched cases involving a former governor, though no charges have been formally filed.

Okowa, who was the PDP's vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and pledged cooperation with investigators. His defection to the ruling APC in April 2025, alongside other state leaders, had raised questions about the investigation's continuation, but the EFCC has affirmed its probe remains active. He recently secured the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North for the 2027 elections.

The former governorโ€™s latest visit was linked to efforts to secure the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.

โ€” EFCC SourcesDescribing the potential reason for Okowa's visit to the EFCC office.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Premium Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.