Politics
N1.3tn Fraud: Okowa’s Detention Provokes Calls For Probe of Ex-Governors
The controversy trailing the arrest of former Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa has been on the front burner in the state, sparking calls from the ruling party and others for investigation of former state governors.
The arrest of Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission still baffles the state’s residents, especially the political folks, who feel he should have been left off the hook by the anti-graft agency considering his achievements during his eight-year reign.
Operatives of the commission penultimate Monday arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3tn.
The N1.3tn reportedly represents the 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
According to sources within the commission, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was subsequently detained by officials.
One of the sources told The PUNCH immediately after the ex-governor’s arrest, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3tn 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.
“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40bn in one of the country’s major banks, representing an eight per cent equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.
“Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.”
These days, discussions are often centred on the arrest and release of the politician at places such as bars, ministries, government agencies, and other gatherings in the state capital, Asaba.
Following work resumption on Monday, it was the lead topic as workers sought to know the whereabouts of their former governor and what had happened over the weekend.
The questions begging for answers were many: “Is Okowa still under EFCC? Has Okowa out from EFCC custody?”, “Who are the people behind his detention?” among others.
When the news of Okowa’s arrest broke, key state government officials, especially those who served under him, went into hiding as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori broke the silence.
Oborevwori, who spoke through one of his aides, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Latimore Oghenesivbe, said Okowa was innocent until proven guilty.
He said, “On behalf of the government, I urge Deltans to pray for Okowa at this trying time. Okowa is innocent until proven guilty. The arrest of former governor Okowa by EFCC does not in any way fracture his enviable reputation.
“EFCC usually invites suspects based on criminal allegations, which may be true or false, and the law recognises the innocence of all accused persons until proven otherwise
“The news of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by EFCC is trending based on reports by a section of the traditional media.
“There is no cause for alarm. It is an established procedure in criminal matters to have a suspect arrested based on allegations in form of a petition to the commission.
“Arrest is not a proof of guilt, and not a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegations shall be tested in court or courts as the need arises. It’s important for us to keep our fingers crossed.”
Our correspondent gathered that Okowa was released Friday night after spending five days in the custody of EFCC.
Expectedly, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress lauded the arrest and detention of Okowa, saying “it is a positive step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.”
The party further stated that Okowa’s arrest signified the administration’s dedication to tackling financial mismanagement and corruption at both state and federal levels.
The APC state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, commended the Federal Government for its decisive action, urging the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other former governors and public officials.
The Delta APC emphasised that Okowa’s arrest reflected a broader agenda “to curb corruption, promote transparency and ensure that public funds benefit the citizens rather than serving personal interests.”
The statement further read, “We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure.
“His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, financing a failed presidential ambition, and supporting the controversial imposition of a successor.
“The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.”
It added, “The fight against corruption must be thorough and unwavering, and we commend the administration’s efforts in this regard.
“The legacy of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is a high debt profile resulting from a reckless borrowing spree, which earned him the notorious nickname of ‘Borrow Borrow Governor.’
“During his eight years in office, Delta State has little to show for the vast federal allocations received. The few substandard roads he constructed, often hailed as the ‘road master,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”
But Chief Press Secretary to Okowa from 2019 to 2023, Olisa Ifeajika, stated that the EFCC did not establish any case against Okowa.
Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), in a statement on Wednesday, said the former governor was only invited to answer questions relating to petitions filed against him.
“The fact of the matter, the first point that needs to be made is that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr Okowa. As is customary with the anti-graft agency, the former governor was invited to answer questions relating to some petitions that were filed against him by some disgruntled elements.
“Upon his return from vacation, and as a man with a clear conscience, Dr Okowa proceeded to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The substance of the petition was that Dr Okowa allegedly corruptly enriched himself and used state resources to acquire 80 per cent stake in Premium Trust Bank. He was also alleged to have diverted state resources to build housing estates in Asaba and Abuja and two hotels in Asaba for himself.
“Governor Okowa cleared himself of those allegations as the estate in Abuja is owned by a public figure. The ex-governor lives in his own private house in an estate in Asaba that is occupied by other residents, who are homeowners,” Ifeajika stated.
“Similarly, the owners of the hotels in Asaba are persons known to the public and the EFCC, while Okowa has zero financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These are facts that are easily verifiable from the Corporate Affairs Commission and by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act.
“The allegation that the former governor allegedly diverted N1.3tn oil derivation funds is as ludicrous as it is outlandish. This is just a rehash of the same spurious allegations that some malicious, myopic, vindictive, and prejudiced persons concocted while Okowa was still in office.”
Nevertheless, a rights activist in Delta State, Anthony Asakitikpi, commended EFCC for its swift arrest of the former governor.
Asakitikpi, who is the South South zonal acting Chairman of Huride, told The PUNCH that all looters of Delta State treasury must be brought to book.
“I sincerely appreciate and commend EFCC for its swift arrest of the former Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa. All enemies of Delta people must be brought to book. Okowa is another case study.
“It may also interest you to know that the said Okowa plunged Delta State into huge amount of debts trying to please Atiku during his presidential campaign.
“No tangible evidence of all the money borrowed in the name of Delta state. As it stands, Delta state is still paying for the sins they didn’t commit.
“A situation where public funds are being diverted for personal interest is becoming too alarming. Based on these facts, I hereby call on the EFCC to prosecute Okowa to account for all the borrowed money in the name of Delta State, and to refund same back to Delta State coffers and be made to face the full wrath of the law. We say no to treasury looters.”
Also, another human rights activist, Jude Ojiugo-Onochie, who described Okowa’s arrest as selective, urged EFCC to extend the investigation to other past governors.
“I’m not against the arrest of Okowa, but they should stop selective arrests. Information we are getting is that he was released on Friday. It’s against human rights for EFCC to hold him for five days.”
As has been the case recently, Delta people are watching how Okowa will dance to the anti- corruption music played by the EFCC.
A political and social analyst, Peter Legacy, said, “That Okowa is passing through the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, shouldn’t be an emotional situation in Delta state polity
“I believe in institutions and rule of law. Misappropriation is the bone of contention. The law that established DESOPADEC was specific about financing, remittance and funding.
“By admittance of Dr Okowa’s government, there was obvious misappropriation of funds for expedient reasons. But that doesn’t make up for the principle of misappropriation. If N1m was supposed to go to DESOPADEC by law, the N1m that was supposed to go to DESOPADEC shouldn’t go to Capital Territory Development Agency.
“We have to imbibe the culture of respect for laws and institutions. Let the investigation run its course, if the ex-governor is innocent, we will find out eventually,” he said.
Also, two human rights organisations, Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and International Human Rights Commission, faulted the detention of Okowa by the EFCC, describing him as a victim of politics.
The chairman of Anti-corruption and Integrity Forum and Board member of IHRC, Prince Kpokpogri, at a press conference in Abuja, queried the mode of operation of the EFCC.
According to him, Okowa ought to be commended for exhibiting maturity unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC and resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned.
He said, “On Monday, October 4, 2024 the news space went agog over the alleged arrest and detention of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly embezzling a whopping N1.3tn of Delta state’s funds.
“Since the news went viral, I have waited patiently for an official statement from the EFCC on the detention of the former governor. It is a given that the anti-graft agency usually makes public such high-profile arrest and detention to show that nobody is above the law.
“However, it is surprising that the EFCC has resorted to using “sources” over such a sensitive matter. As an anti-corruption crusader, I find it a little troubling that the agency is shying away from making its position known when former Governor Okowa honourably presented himself to the Office of the anti-graft agency in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Dr. Okowa ought to be commended for being unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC, resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned. This trial by the media using proxies is untenable, vexatious and unfortunate.”
PUNCH
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections, a mass protest voting movement may be building up in Anambra South Senatorial District, following reported moves by members of major political parties to support the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Ebuka Onunkwo.
The development is said to be linked to grievances among some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the treatment allegedly meted out to Onunkwo during previous political contests.
Onunkwo, who had previously contested the Anambra South senatorial seat under APGA, later emerged as the NDC candidate for the 2027 election.
Although the ADC is currently embroiled in legal disputes over the authentic candidates and the conduct of its primary elections, some members of the APC and APGA are also reportedly dissatisfied with developments within their respective parties.
It was gathered that a section of APGA members, in particular, are backing Onunkwo as a form of protest over the conduct of the party’s senatorial primary, while some members of other parties are also believed to be considering voting for him irrespective of their party affiliations.
Confirming the growing support for Onunkwo, the Chief Executive Officer of NOWAS Oil and Gas Limited and a major stakeholder in Anambra South politics, Chief Ignesus Ikechukwudere Nnubia, said the NDC candidate currently enjoys widespread acceptability across party lines.
Nnubia said the growing support for Onunkwo had made his party affiliation less significant, arguing that voters would ultimately vote according to their conscience and assessment of the candidates.
He said, “At the moment, the number of APGA members with him and supporting him makes one wonder what is left of that party. Even the remnants of the PDP have pitched their tents with him, while members of the ruling APC at the national level are also behind him.
“So, the party that he belongs to is not a factor at all. You know that it is a game of numbers, and people are going to vote according to their conscience and not necessarily because of the political party they belong to.
“People are not bound to vote for their party, and some of them are ready and willing to vote for him.
“We are not talking about the party because he will surely get votes from the NDC, APGA, APC and even other political parties that are already closing ranks to support him as their candidate.”
Nnubia further described Onunkwo as the candidate currently standing tall among the contenders for the Anambra South senatorial seat, expressing confidence that his emergence would usher in what he described as a “new dawn” for the district.
He said political parties should not be the major consideration for voters, stressing that what matters most is the ability of elected representatives to improve the lives of their constituents.
According to him, political parties exist because of the people, and therefore the influence of party structures and incumbency has its limits during elections.
Nnubia said those factors would ultimately be tested by the electorate in the 2027 election, which he described as a contest in which voters’ choices would determine the outcome.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi State election, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has pledged to attract more than ₦2 trillion in private-sector investment to the state within six months of assuming office if elected.
Odii made the pledge while addressing supporters in Lagos ahead of the formal commencement of his campaign.
He said his investment strategy would cover key sectors of the Ebonyi economy, including mining, hospitality, real estate and manufacturing.
According to the PDP candidate, he has identified more than 2,000 prospective investors, each capable of investing about ₦1 billion in the state.
“I have over 2,000 people who can invest ₦1 billion each. When you multiply it, you will get over ₦2 trillion. This has been structured in such a way that all aspects of the economy will be involved,” Odii said.
He said the proposed investment drive was designed not only to inject capital into the state but also to create jobs, expand the productive base of the economy and provide opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
Odii said Ebonyi’s natural resources and strategic location placed it in a strong position to attract large-scale investments if its economic potential was properly harnessed.
He promised that his administration would prioritise private-sector participation, industrialisation and job creation while creating an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors.
The candidate also said existing businesses in the state would be supported to expand, while new investors would be encouraged to establish operations across various sectors.
His pledge comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with economic development, employment generation and wealth creation featuring prominently in his campaign message.
The proposed ₦2 trillion investment target within six months, if achieved, would represent a significant boost to Ebonyi’s economy and rank among the most ambitious private-sector investment mobilisation plans proposed in the state.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The planned visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State has sparked controversy following a protest by the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, that the party was not informed about the visit.
Anosike said the APC in Anambra was never consulted or briefed about the proposed visit, adding that the party was taken aback by reports that the wife of the party’s national leader and presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be visiting the state without recourse to the state chapter.
He said, “It is indeed strange that the First Lady of our presidential candidate is visiting Anambra State without recourse to the party in the state.
“The party wishes to state categorically that we are not part of the arrangements for the reception of our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, because the party was never put in the picture.”
Anosike also dismissed the mantra that “The Progressives Are Working Together”, being canvassed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing it as a smokescreen by the ruling party in Anambra to hijack President Tinubu’s re-election from the APC.
He said, “For instance, the APGA-led government in Anambra State did not interface with us on the organisation of the visit, and the party wonders if the progressives are indeed working together.”
The APC chairman, however, said the development would not compromise the First Lady’s visit, urging all APC members and supporters in the state to turn out and give Senator Oluremi Tinubu a warm welcome.
He stressed that despite the party’s reservations over the arrangements, APC members remained committed to welcoming the First Lady to Anambra State.
Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Sagir Saleh, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saleh, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Isa Yuguda, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the party leadership in Katagum Local Government Area.
He cited personal reasons for his decision but did not provide further details.
His exit comes amid growing disagreements within the Bauchi APC following the party’s 2027 governorship primary. Other prominent members, including former governorship aspirant Bala Jibrin and Sunusi Kunde, an associate of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, have also reportedly left the party.
Jibrin, a former National Auditor of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), resigned on August 31, 2026, following his opposition to the emergence of former Bauchi Governor Muhammad Abubakar as the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate.
He had criticised the primary process and questioned how the candidate emerged.
Kunde also resigned from the APC in August, submitting his resignation to the party chairman of Beti Ward in Misau Local Government Area.
The latest departures are coming as efforts continue to resolve internal disputes and disagreements among APC members in the state.
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to assassinate former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ayodele issued the warning in a video shared on his verified X account on Sunday, urging both opposition figures to strengthen their security and remain vigilant.
The cleric did not identify those allegedly behind the purported plot but claimed that attempts were being made to eliminate Obi and Atiku.
According to him, divine intervention would prevent the alleged plan from succeeding.
“Obi and Atiku, be very conscious of your security. They are looking for any means to eliminate Obi and Atiku.
“But God will never allow it to happen. Watch out and be cautious about your security,” he said.
Ayodele also urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider travelling to the United States, alleging that there were forces in America working against his political fortunes.
The claims come as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
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