Ifeanyi Okowa
By Emeka Ugochukwu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified efforts to probe the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion of 13 per cent derivation funds by the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.
On account of this development, Okowa, yesterday visited the Lagos Directorate 1 office of the EFCC in Ikoyi for further investigations.
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that Okowa’s appearance at the commission’s office on Awolowo Road was linked to the ongoing probe of funds allegedly received by Delta State from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023 during his administration.
The former governor was previously arrested by the EFCC on 4th November, 2024, and detained for questioning at the commission’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate as part of the investigation.
He was also accused of using public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the state capital, and Abuja.
Speaking after his arrest, Okowa said funds belonging to the state were “judiciously used” during his tenure, adding that he was not afraid of investigation.
He accused the anti-graft agency of involvement in media trial.
“Whatever that is going on, I am not worried, and I have spoken about it. I am not afraid to be investigated,” Okowa had said.
“I may not be a saint, but I know I stepped in there as governor with a full hope and desire to help people to give the best for ourselves in this state within the limit of our resources.”
Okowa was governor of Delta from 2015 to 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election under PDP.
In April 2025, Okowa defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political officeholders in the state.
Those close to Okowa said contrary to speculations making the rounds, Okowa’s visit was primarily aimed at securing the release of his international passport.
He reportedly informed investigators that he needed to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment.
Efforts by NATIONAL WAVES to confirm why Okowa was at the Lagos office of the anti-graft agency were unsuccesful as the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was yet to respond to enquiries regarding the visit as at the time of filling this report.
