Operatives of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have detained Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta State, on allegations of financial misappropriation.
The ex-governor, who led Delta from 2015 to 2023, is accused of mismanaging a staggering N1.3 trillion, part of the 13 percent derivation fund intended to benefit oil-producing states.
According to sources, Okowa was apprehended on Monday after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office, having been summoned over the matter.
EFCC is also investigating Okowa over the alleged diversion of N40 billion for the acquisition of shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, a project under development by UTM Offshore Limited in Akwa Ibom.
Insiders claim Okowa has not provided sufficient explanations for the allocation and utilization of these funds.
Furthermore, the former governor is under scrutiny for allegedly diverting public money to acquire multiple properties in Abuja and Asaba.
This arrest comes 17 months after Okowa’s term ended.
He was the vice-presidential candidate for Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nominee, in the 2023 presidential election, and he was succeeded as governor of Delta State by Sheriff Oborevwori.
EFCC continues to hold Okowa at its Port Harcourt facility, where further interrogation is expected.
