The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed that the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will not stop it from probing the corruption allegations against him.
The Director of Legal and Prosecution of the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in office.
Tahir dismissed claims that Okowa is being shielded following his defection, noting that no suspect is immune from investigation or prosecution because of political alignment.
“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.
“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,” he said.
In November 2024, the EFCC quizzed Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during his eight-year tenure as governor of the State.
The former governor was also accused of using public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the state capital, and Abuja.
Also, in April 2025, Okowa, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political office holders in the State.