The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made it clear that the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, will continue despite his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okowa, who served as governor between 2015 and 2023, was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in state funds during his administration. He was also accused of using public resources to acquire luxury 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 APC alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political figures in Delta State, raising speculation that his corruption case might be dropped.
However, the anti-graft agency has strongly dismissed such insinuations.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the **second anniversary of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s tenure, the commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, insisted that political alignment does not grant immunity from investigation or prosecution.
“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,” he 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.”
