The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently detained the immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, for three days, following multiple petitions accusing him of corruption and financial mismanagement. Sources confirm that Okowa was held at the EFCC’s Zonal Office, though his detention was kept under wraps to avoid public scrutiny and potential embarrassment.
According to reports, the EFCC obtained statements from Okowa’s bank accounts, along with those of his daughters and aides, and identified properties linked to him and his family. During his time in custody, Okowa’s phone lines were reportedly unreachable, adding to the secrecy surrounding his detention.
Prominent Ijaw elder statesman, Edwin Clark, was among those who submitted petitions against the former governor, alleging that Okowa diverted over N600 billion from the state treasury. Clark’s petition also urged the EFCC to investigate Okowa’s alleged ties to Premium Trust Bank.
Additionally, a separate group presented a comprehensive petition to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office, accusing the former governor of diverting state funds amounting to N600 billion.
Following his release, Okowa has been instructed to return to the EFCC at the end of October for further questioning as the investigation continues.
