Joining APC won’t shield Okowa from probe — EFCC

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that erstwhile Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, remains nether probe for alleged fiscal misconduct contempt his caller defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clarification came during a property briefing successful Abuja marking the 2nd day of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, successful office.

Addressing journalists, the Commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, dismissed claims that politicians who articulation the ruling enactment are automatically protected from probe oregon prosecution.

“Someone asked whether politicians who transverse implicit to the ruling enactment are shielded. The elemental reply is that it’s not true,” Tahir said.

“To the champion of my knowledge, the lawsuit involving a erstwhile politician of Delta State is inactive nether investigation, and successful owed course, justness volition beryllium served.”

Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged mismanagement of authorities funds during his tenure.

In April 2025, the erstwhile politician — who was besides the vice-presidential campaigner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) successful the 2023 wide predetermination — defected to the APC alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and different governmental figures successful the state.

Tahir explained that the EFCC prefers to implicit investigations thoroughly earlier proceeding to court, peculiarly successful high-profile oregon politically delicate cases.

“We person had situations wherever cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not ever satisfactory. So, we would alternatively bash a thorough job,” helium said.

“When we spell to court, Nigerians volition spot what the lawsuit is about. There is nary effort oregon volition to shield anybody connected relationship of enactment affiliation — surely not nether this leadership.”

Responding to criticisms astir the gait of convictions involving politically exposed persons, Tahir maintained that the EFCC treats each cases equally.

“It’s been claimed that determination are nary high-profile convictions. For us, transgression is crime.

“When dealing with politically exposed persons, investigations tin beryllium analyzable and time-consuming. For instance, a politician who managed a authorities for 8 years — immoderate allegations originate from his tenure — requires elaborate scrutiny,” helium added.

Tahir’s remarks travel amid increasing nationalist interest implicit the cognition that immoderate politicians nether probe question refuge successful the ruling enactment to evade accountability.

The station Joining APC won’t shield Okowa from probe — EFCC appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.