The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made it clear that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will not be exempted from investigation despite his recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The anti-graft agency stated that political affiliation will not influence its ongoing probe into allegations of corruption against the former governor.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja. He dismissed suggestions that politicians who defect to the ruling party are often protected from prosecution. “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 said.
According to him, the EFCC remains committed to handling all cases without political interference. He confirmed that the investigation into Okowa’s financial dealings as governor of Delta State is still ongoing. “To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served,” he assured.
Tahir explained that the Commission prefers to conduct thorough investigations before heading to court in order to avoid premature prosecutions that could weaken its cases. “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 before proceeding. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he added.
Reports indicate that the EFCC is probing alleged mismanagement of over N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds and questionable investments worth about N40 billion during Okowa’s tenure between 2015 and 2023. However, Okowa has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying he is not afraid of the EFCC or any investigation.
The EFCC reiterated that no politician or public office holder can escape accountability by joining the ruling party. The agency assured Nigerians that it will continue to operate independently, ensuring that every corruption case is pursued diligently in accordance with the law.