Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, remains in EFCC custody for alleged financial mismanagement, including the diversion of N1.3 trillion and misuse of public funds. Investigations continue, with accusations involving investments in LNG shares, bank equities, and property acquisitions. APC supports his detention, urging further probes into his administration.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is currently in his second night of detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Okowa, who was the 2023 vice-presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, was arrested after responding to an EFCC invitation regarding allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion.
According to sources, Okowa is facing accusations of financial misconduct, including failing to account for N40 billion, which he claimed was used for shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The former governor is also accused of diverting additional funds that were purportedly used to purchase shares in a major Nigerian bank and to acquire estates in Abuja and Delta State.
EFCC investigators are still scrutinizing the extent of the allegations against Okowa, and he has been confronted with these claims during his detention. Despite these grave charges, the EFCC has yet to release him, as the volume of the allegations continues to be under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has backed Okowa’s detention, describing it as a necessary step in the fight against corruption. The APC also criticized Okowa’s eight-year tenure, accusing him of mismanaging state funds and leaving the state with a high debt profile. The investigation continues as the EFCC delves deeper into his financial dealings.
