Former Delta Governor Okowa Visits EFCC Lagos Office Amid N1.3 Trillion Diversion Investigation

Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta State, visited the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, June 22, 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of financial misappropriation during his tenure.

The anti-graft agency is investigating Okowa over the alleged illegal diversion of approximately ₦1.3 trillion, comprising 13 percent derivation funds accrued to Delta State from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023. The EFCC had previously arrested the former governor on November 4, 2024, at its Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, where he was questioned over the accusations.

Sources within the commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Okowa visited the Lagos office to request the release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment. As of the time of this report, it remained unclear whether the EFCC had granted his request.

The former governor has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that state funds were used judiciously during his administration. Following his arrest in 2024, Okowa stated, "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 has also accused the EFCC of engaging in media trial.

Okowa served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election. In April 2025, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several other political officeholders in the state.