By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly stated that the recent defection of the immediate past Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not grant him immunity from ongoing or future investigations into his tenure.
This development comes amid intensified public scrutiny regarding the handling of state funds during his eight years in office.
Addressing journalists, the Commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, confirmed that the anti-graft agency’s mandate remains uncompromised by political affiliations
Tahir made this clarification during a press briefing in Abuja marking the second anniversary of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in office.
He stated: “Someone asked whether politicians who cross over to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.
“To the best of my knowledge, the case involving a former governor of Delta State is still under investigation, and in due course, justice will be served.”
Tahir explained that the EFCC prefers to complete investigations thoroughly before proceeding to court, particularly in high-profile or politically sensitive cases.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always satisfactory. So, we would rather do a thorough job,” he said.
“When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is about. There is no attempt or intention to shield anybody on account of party affiliation — certainly not under this leadership.”
Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged mismanagement of state funds during his tenure.
In April 2025, the former governor — who was also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election — defected to the APC alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other political figures in the state.
