Why Okowa Reported At EFCC Office Over Alleged ₦1.3 Trillion Diversion

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday visited the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure.

Sources within the commission who spoke with The Cable said the visit was linked to allegations bordering on the diversion of funds while he served as governor.

In November 2024, the EFCC arrested Okowa over the alleged diversion of N1.3tn during his eight years in office.

He was also accused of allegedly using public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the Delta State capital, and Abuja.

Speaking after his arrest, Okowa insisted that funds belonging to the state were judiciously used, adding that he was not afraid of being investigated.

Okowa had said, “Whatever that is going on, I am not worried, and I have spoken about it. I am not afraid to be investigated.

“I may not be a saint, but I know I stepped in there as governor with a full hope and desire to help people to give the best for ourselves in this state within the limit of our resources.”

He also accused the anti-graft agency of subjecting him to a media trial.

Okowa served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He was also the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.

In April 2025, Okowa defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political officeholders in the state.