EFCC Denies Shielding Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa After Defection to APC
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is shielding former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year.
According to information obtained by Akahi News, Okowa, who was arrested in November 2024 over alleged mismanagement of ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds, has faced renewed public scrutiny after months of silence from the anti-graft agency since crossing to the ruling party in April 2025, alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
EFCC Says Investigation Still Active
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday to mark his second year in office, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, through his Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), clarified that the investigation into Okowa’s case is still ongoing and that the commission has not abandoned it.
“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,” Tahir stated.
“To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”
The EFCC, however, did not provide any timeline for when the long-running investigation would conclude.
EFCC Defends Its Pace, Dismisses Political Bias Allegations
In response to criticism about the slow pace of its investigations, Tahir explained that the commission prefers to conduct thorough investigations rather than rushing cases to court, which could result in weak prosecutions and failed convictions.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good,” he said.
“So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about.”
He further stressed that the EFCC remains non-partisan, insisting that no one is being protected because of political affiliation or defection.
“There’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties — certainly not under this chairman,” Tahir asserted.
Public Skepticism Over EFCC’s Credibility
Despite the EFCC’s defence, Akahi News gathered that many Nigerians remain sceptical about the agency’s impartiality, accusing it of selective prosecution and political double standards, particularly under the current administration.
Observers have pointed out the lack of high-profile convictions in recent years, arguing that while smaller offenders face swift justice, politically influential individuals often enjoy prolonged investigations with little outcome.
Responding to this perception, Tahir noted that prosecuting powerful figures such as former governors is “not a tea party,” emphasising that corruption cases involving senior politicians often require complex financial tracking and international cooperation.
Ongoing Questions on Transparency and Political Influence
Okowa’s case has become a litmus test for the EFCC’s independence, as civil society groups continue to demand transparent updates and visible progress on major corruption cases.
For now, the commission maintains that its hands are clean and that justice will eventually be served, though it remains unclear when Nigerians will see results.
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