The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed that it is still investigating former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over alleged corruption and diversion of public funds, dismissing claims that his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted him protection from prosecution.
Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 for allegedly diverting ₦1.3 trillion during his tenure. He was also accused of using public funds to acquire high-value properties in Asaba and Abuja.
In April 2025, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election defected to the ruling APC alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several top political figures in Delta State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the second anniversary of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in office, Sylvanus Tahir, the Commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, denied allegations that defecting politicians were being shielded 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.”
Tahir explained that the EFCC prefers to conduct thorough investigations before filing charges, especially in high-profile or politically sensitive cases, to ensure strong prosecutions and credible outcomes.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job,” he noted.
“When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about. There’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties — certainly not under this chairman.”
Responding to criticisms about the commission’s record on high-profile convictions, Tahir stressed that the EFCC treats all cases equally regardless of political affiliation.
“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.
“Of course, when you are up against politically exposed persons, it is not a tea party. It takes time. 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.”
