EFCC: Okowa still under probe for N1.3bn fraud despite defecting to APC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed that former Delta State Governor and ex-PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, remains under investigation over an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud, despite his recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, made the disclosure on Thursday during a media briefing to mark the second anniversary of the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Tahir addressed growing concerns that politicians who cross over to the APC are often shielded from prosecution, saying such claims hold no water under the current leadership.

“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 said.

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Okowa, along with his successor Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, several commissioners, local government chairpersons, and PDP leaders in Delta State, defected to the APC in April. The move sparked speculation that the defection may have been a strategic ploy to halt the EFCC’s probe.

But Tahir dismissed such insinuations, stating: “I can’t recall anybody who, because of switching allegiance or switching party camp, is shielded by the commission. Certainly not under this chairman.”

He emphasized the commission’s commitment to thorough investigations, noting that rushing cases to court without proper groundwork has previously led to poor outcomes.

“So we would like to do a diligent job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said. “But certainly, there’s no attempt, no intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties.”

The EFCC’s stance comes amid rising public scrutiny over the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and the perceived politicization of justice. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the commission to deliver a transparent and credible outcome.

EFCC: Okowa still under probe for N1.3bn fraud despite defecting to APC