The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has extended its detention of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for another day.
This follows his arrest on Monday after reporting to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, regarding allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion.
Sources reveal that Okowa faces additional accusations, including failing to account for N40 billion used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and purchasing N40 billion worth of shares in a major bank ¹. Investigators are also probing the diversion of funds to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba.
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the EFCC’s action, describing it as a positive step in Nigeria’s fight against corruption ². Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC State Publicity Secretary, urged the EFCC to investigate other former governors and public officials.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of the former governor, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure. His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures… The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, affirming that the era of impunity is over.”
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Okowa remains in custody due to the severity of the allegations. “We are still keeping him… The investigation is ongoing, and earlier, he was confronted with some of the allegations against him.” The EFCC seeks Okowa’s response to the allegations before considering release.
The development has sparked intense interest, with many Nigerians eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
