Former Delta State Governor and ex-Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion from state funds. Okowa was apprehended on Monday at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office.
Breaking: Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Detained for Hunger Protests Amid Public Outcry
Sources indicate that the alleged embezzlement involved the misuse of funds derived from the 13 percent oil derivation fund, designated to support development in oil-producing states.
Pay Attention To: Heavy Protest Rocks NNPC Headquarters as Protesters Demand Mele Kyari’s Immediate Resignation
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed Okowa’s detention during a phone interview with The Gazette. The former governor is accused of exploiting his office to amass assets valued at N1.3 trillion, including substantial shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other oil-sector investments.
Reports from the National Bureau of Statistics previously highlighted disbursements made to oil-producing states from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which included the 13 percent derivation funds earmarked for regional development.
