The EFCC has confirmed that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa remains under investigation for alleged N1.3 trillion fraud despite his defection to the APC.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that former Delta State Governor and ex-vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, remains under investigation for alleged N1.3 trillion fraud despite his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, made this known on Thursday during a media briefing to mark the second anniversary of the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Addressing allegations that politicians who join the ruling party are shielded from prosecution, 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 and several Delta State political leaders defected to the APC in April, sparking speculation that the move was aimed at halting the EFCC probe.
However, Tahir maintained, “I can’t recall of anybody who, because of switching allegiance or switching party camp, is shielded by the commission. Certainly not under this chairman.”
He added that the EFCC preferred to conduct thorough investigations before prosecution to ensure credible outcomes.