ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it is still investigating former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure, despite his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sylvanus Tahir, the EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing marking the second anniversary of Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s administration.
He dismissed claims that politicians who defect to the ruling party are given protection from investigation.
“Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true,” Tahir said.
“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”
Okowa, who served as Delta State governor between 2015 and 2023, was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in public funds.
The former governor is also accused of using state resources to acquire several properties in Asaba, the state capital, and Abuja.
In April 2025, Okowa — who was the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election — defected to the APC along with his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political figures from Delta State.
Tahir said the EFCC remains committed to ensuring accountability regardless of political affiliations. “There’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties — certainly not under this chairman,” he said.
The EFCC official emphasised that the agency prefers to complete comprehensive investigations before bringing charges to court, particularly in politically sensitive or high-profile cases.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good,” Tahir explained.
“So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about.”
He also rejected suggestions that the EFCC has failed to secure convictions of prominent figures, insisting that the agency treats all cases with equal seriousness.
“It’s been claimed that there are no high-profile convictions. Well, the simple answer is that for us here, crime is crime,” he said.
According to him, investigations into politically exposed persons take time due to the complexity of their financial dealings.
“When you are up against politically exposed persons, it is not a tea party,” he noted.
“For instance, a governor who spent eight years controlling a state and its resources — whatever allegations arise from his stewardship — it’s not something you rush to investigate within months or a year.”
