₦airaland Forum

EFCC Claims Ex-Governor Okowa's N1.3trillion Probe Ongoing Despite Defection To APC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations that it is providing a cover for a former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, after he defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okowa was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over the massive fraud allegation but has since enjoyed a conspicuous silence from the agency after joining the ruling party.

The anti-graft agency, in a desperate attempt to salvage its fast-eroding credibility, insisted that its investigation into Okowa for the alleged looting of a staggering N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds is still "active."

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the clarification through his Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), during a press briefing to mark his second anniversary in office on Wednesday.

This comes after widespread public outcry and accusations from Nigerians that the commission had developed a sudden loss of memory regarding Okowa's case following his high-profile defection to the APC in April 2025 alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Okowa was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over the massive fraud allegation but has since enjoyed a conspicuous silence from the agency after joining the ruling party. Pushing back against the mounting criticism, Tahir claimed the agency operates without political bias.

“Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true,” Tahir stated.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served,” he added, offering no timeline for when the long-drawn "investigation" would conclude.

Tahir defended the agency's slow pace, arguing that they prefer a "thorough job" to avoid the embarrassment of rushed cases that fall apart in court.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

He further insisted that “there’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties, certainly not under this chairman,” a statement that contrasts sharply with the public's perception of the EFCC's record under the current administration.

Addressing the lack of high-profile convictions, a key stain on the commission's record, Tahir claimed that "crime is crime," and that prosecuting powerful figures like governors is "not a tea party."

Racoon:
What else does any rational thinking person expects. A government headed by a man with many grievous baggages of corruption can not and can never prosecute corruption. Infact the fella went to Brazil to embarrassingly tell the whole world that corruption has been eradicated in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, highly indicted corrupt fellas like Gandollar, Yahaya Bello, Matawalle, Atiku( convicted of Abacha's slush funds in the US) among many are romancing him in govt. So who is fooling who?

Addressing the lack of high-profile convictions, a key stain on the commission's record, Tahir claimed that "crime is crime," and that prosecuting powerful figures like governors is "not a tea party."

Racoon:
https://saharareporters.com/2025/10/23/efcc-claims-ex-governor-okowas-n13trillion-probe-ongoing-despite-defection-apc

Racoon:
What else does any rational thinking person expects. A government headed by a man with many grievous baggages of corruption can not and can never prosecute corruption. Infact the fella went to Brazil to embarrassingly tell the whole world that corruption has been eradicated in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, highly indicted corrupt fellas like Gandollar, Yahaya Bello, Matawalle, Atiku( convicted of Abacha's slush funds in the US) among many are romancing him in govt. So who is fooling who?

ogascomax:
Which Atiku is on your list?

Racoon:
What else does any rational thinking person expects. A government headed by a man with many grievous baggages of corruption can not and can never prosecute corruption. Infact the fella went to Brazil to embarrassingly tell the whole world that corruption has been eradicated in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, highly indicted corrupt fellas like Gandollar, Yahaya Bello, Matawalle, Atiku( convicted of Abacha's slush funds in the US) among many are romancing him in govt. So who is fooling who?

ogascomax:
Which Atiku is on your list?

Richtaiwo:
What's this one saying? Don't always rush to comment. Read the report to understanding, then oppose it......

Granger:
It’s not Atiku Abubakar. He’s talking about a former governor Atiku Bagudu.

stealmatic:
Sorry o,pele o,mr chukwuduli, u guys kept saying the same thing for like 3yrs now,yet no evidence,please how are sleeping

Racoon:
Former governor Atiku Bagudu convicted of laundering funds for the late general Sanni Abacha

Racoon:
Meanwhile, these corrupt governors defections are being well celebrated by the ruling party and government. How will they not find a safe haven or nest there? How does the supposed independent anti-graft agency under the ruling party cum govt attain convictions? Dey play!

Racoon:
You that read and understands, leave my opinion to me and kindly contribute to public discuss. We all are not zombies.

Racoon:
https://saharareporters.com/2025/10/23/efcc-claims-ex-governor-okowas-n13trillion-probe-ongoing-despite-defection-apc