KEY POINTS
- Okowa’s passport seized as EFCC probes fund diversion allegations.
- Okowa defends himself says the accusations are political.
- EFCC investigation: Urhobo Progress Union backs Okowa.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has now had his passport seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his arrest.
Deltatech Investment, a local firm, had in November 2024 also arrested Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds from the federation account from 2015 to 2023.
Financial misconduct allegations
Meanwhile, Okowa himself is accused of not rendering accounts of the N1.3 trillion derivation fund. And another N40 billion reportedly spent on purchases, through local promoters, of shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
EFCC sources said Okowa, as part of his bail conditions, surrendered his travel documents to enable him show compliance with ongoing investigations.
Okowa insisted the allegations were “laughable.” He dismissed the allegations as born of political motives, adding that he was committed to transparency.
Okowa’s defense and UPU support
Okowa expressed confidence that he would be exonerated, when the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) visited him in Asaba.
And he assured that state funds were spent responsibly, even when there wasn’t enough money in the bank in the past years, as projects and salaries were paid first. “Let the EFCC investigate properly to unravel what really happened and we did our best for Delta State,” he said.
He also showed appreciation to UPU for their on & going support. He recognized the extending of support to the present government of the state under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
