Ifeanyi Okowa Photo Facebook
By Victory Oghene
The corruption case against former Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa got accentuated recently as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has given a strongly worded seven-working-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take a clear, definite and measurable action by instituting an investigation into allegations concerning public contracts and payments made during the administration of Okowa.
According to the convener and National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Nnadozie
Onwubiko, the EFCC must confirm or deny whether it issued an intelligence report titled “Okowa Under Scrutiny Over Alleged ₦16bn Contract, Family-Linked Companies, Security Payments.”
The document according to the association is an executive summation of an investigation into transactions in Delta State between 2015 and 2023.
Period of interest covered was between 2015–2023, with specific transactions identified , hallmarked by suspected contract inflation, procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, concealed beneficial ownership and possible diversion of public funds
According to the executive summary, preliminary intelligence shows the possible diversion of public funds belonging to Delta State through the award and execution of public contracts, payments from the Directorate of Government House and Protocol account, and the use
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa served as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 29 May 2023. Intelligence notes that, during his tenure, companies were registered in the names of his children, relatives and associates, allegedly creating an appearance of independent ownership. These entities are suspected of receiving public contracts and payments, in some instances without the prescribed bidding process and at prices alleged to be excessive.
The alleged behavior is said to have empowered the funnelling of public funds to persons and entities connected to the former Governor. The principal areas requiring examination are the corporate relationships, the award and execution of contracts, payments from the Directorate of Government House and Protocol account, and the use or onward movement of the funds.
Three persons and entities of special interest were identified, thus; Michael Gbolahan Daramola, Identified as a director of Wed 111 Limited and Valuworks Enterprises; alleged son-in-law of Dr. Okowa;
Marylin Okowa, identified as a director of Wed 111 Limited; alleged daughter of Dr. Okowa;
Ehimario Igumbor, identified as a director of Savvyworks Enterprises and Batar Contractor Enterprises; alleged son-in-law of Dr. Okowa, married to Mildred Okowa;
Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, identified as a director of Mod Event Designers; alleged daughter of Dr. Okowa;
Mark Shenton Stuart, identified as a director of Digital Gaming Systems; described as a Briton married to Ivana, alleged younger sister of Dr. Okowa;
Kenneth Iwelumo, identified as a director of Digital Gaming Systems;
Precious Egbejule Elohor, identified as a director of Digital Gaming Systems;
North China Construction Nigeria, contractor identified in connection with the Delta State Secretariat Complex project;
Runola Nigeria Limited, company whose relationship with Digital Gaming Systems requires examination;
According to the association, the public is normally entitled to know whether the report is genuine, whether the commission has started an investigation into the matters it raises, and what steps—if any—have been taken. The association noted that if the document did not originate from the EFCC, the commission should let the public know to prevent an unverified report from being attributed to the agency.
It must be established that the report throws up pertinent questions about a number of government transactions, including payments allegedly made for security equipment and operations, vehicles.
It also calls for scrutiny of the reported ₦16 billion Delta State Secretariat Complex project and the role of a subcontractor.
The document also states companies whose directors are alleged to have family or personal connections with Mr Okowa, how contracts were awarded, whether procurement rules were followed, whether prices reflected market values, whether goods and services were delivered, and who ultimately benefited from the payments.
According to HURIWA, these are allegations and questions are weighty enough for investigation. The material presented to the association does not establish that Mr Okowa or any other individual or company named committed an offence. The stated family relationships, directorships, beneficial ownership and financial interests must be independently checked against reliable corporate and transaction records.
The association is calling on the EFCC to examine relevant contract files, tender documents, payment vouchers, bank records, company-registration information and evidence of project delivery. Any inquiry should establish who authorised the payments, what services or goods were provided, whether the work met contractual requirements, and whether any public funds were improperly diverted.
HURIWA is calling on the anti-graft agency to make a public pronouncement confirming whether it issued the report and setting out the status of any related investigation. If the report is genuine, the EFCC should explain whether it has assessed the allegations and what further steps are required. If it is not genuine, the commission should disown it.
The association expects an initial public clarification by 9:00 a.m. on 13 November 2026. The association is giving the EFCC seven working days from that notice to demonstrate that it is taking substantive steps to assess and investigate the allegations, where appropriate.
HURIWA noted that a meaningful response should show the steps being taken without compromising any lawful investigation or prejudicing the rights of affected persons. The association is not asking the EFCC to reach a predetermined conclusion. It is asking the commission to establish the facts and act in accordance with the law.
HURIWA insists that allegations of this nature must be taken with care. Mr Okowa, the companies and other individuals named in the report must have a fair opportunity to respond to any claims concerning them. No allegation should be treated as proven unless supported by evidence and determined through due process.
At the same time, the association says that the need for fairness cannot be used to justify silence where a report attributed to an anti-corruption agency raises substantial questions about the handling of public funds. A clear confirmation or denial would help distinguish verified information from material that has not been authenticated.
If the EFCC fails to clarify its position and take appropriate steps within the stated notice period, HURIWA says it will consult its lawyers on seeking judicial relief to require the commission to address its statutory responsibilities. Any court action will be pursued through lawful procedures and will ask the court to consider the matter on its merits.
HURIWA also says it is prepared to begin a public campaign concerning the EFCC’s handling of the allegations. The association will raise the issue with relevant institutions and the public if it considers the commission’s response inadequate or if no response is forthcoming.
According to a report by The Punch, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, reportedly took into custody Okowa sometimes in November 2024 over the alleged diversion of N1.3trillion derivation fund.
The controversial N1.3trillion amounted to a 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
According to The Punch, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and was subsequently arrested by officials of the commission.
“Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following the invitation of the investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested.”
“He was also accused of failing to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40billion allegedly claimed to have been used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
“He also allegedly bought shares of N40billion in one of the major banks in the country, representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG. The funds were alleged to be used for other purposes.
“Investigators are also investigating the diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State.
“He is being held at the EFCC holding facility in Port Harcourt.”
Punch noted that when it contacted, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed his arrest but declined further comments on the matter, while Premium Times reported that Okowa was at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently as the anti-graft agency ups its investigation into the alleged diversion of derivation funds during his administration.
A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stated that Mr Okowa was seen at the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 1 office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Recall that Mr Okowa was previously arrested by the EFCC on 4 November 2024 and questioned at the commission’s Port Harcourt Directorate over allegations bordering on the management of the derivation funds received by the oil-producing state during his eight-year tenure.
At the time, the anti-graft agency was reported to be investigating allegations that part of the funds was diverted into private investments and the acquisition of assets in different parts of the country.
Sources within the commission said the former governor’s latest visit was linked to efforts to secure the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
However, it was not immediately clear whether the commission approved the request.
The investigation has remained one of the EFCC’s most closely watched corruption cases involving a former governor. Although no charges have been filed against Mr Okowa, the probe has continued since it became public in late 2024.
