Here are the key points related to Ifeanyi Okowa’s detention by the EFCC
- Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State governor, spends second night in EFCC custody.
- Allegations include misappropriation of N1.3 trillion in state funds.
- Additional allegations: failure to account for N40 billion invested in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas shares and purchasing equity in a major Nigerian bank using public funds.
- Accused of using state resources for personal ventures, including real estate acquisitions.
- Delta State APC welcomes Okowa’s arrest, citing reckless borrowing and minimal infrastructure development.
- EFCC investigation ongoing; Okowa remains in custody until he responds to allegations.
- Okowa served as running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.
Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has spent his second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He’s being investigated for allegedly misappropriating N1.3 trillion in state funds during his tenure . Okowa, who was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, reportedly responded to an EFCC invitation on Monday but was detained for further questioning.
Allegations Against Okowa:
• Misappropriation of N1.3 trillion in state funds
• Failure to account for N40 billion invested in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas shares
• Purchasing equity in a major Nigerian bank using public funds
• Using state resources for personal ventures, including real estate acquisitions in Abuja and Asaba.
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed Okowa’s arrest, calling it a “positive step” in Nigeria’s fight against corruption . Valentine Onojeghuo, APC State Publicity Secretary, stated that Okowa’s administration was marked by significant financial mismanagement, including “reckless borrowing,” which left Delta State with a high debt profile and minimal infrastructure development.
APC’s Reaction:
“The arrest of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa serves as a warning to all public officials that the era of impunity is over. No one, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law.”
Okowa’s detention has sparked controversy, with some critics labeling him the “Borrow Borrow Governor” due to his administration’s debt accumulation and poorly maintained infrastructure projects . The EFCC intends to keep him in custody until he responds to the allegations.
