• EFCC vows to continue investigation into N1.3 trillion alleged diversion case despite defection
• Commission’s legal director, Sylvanus Tahir, says no politician enjoys immunity from probe
• Okowa, ex-Delta governor and PDP’s 2023 VP candidate, defected to APC in April 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investigating former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, despite his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in office.
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Tahir dismissed insinuations that the former governor was being shielded from investigation because of his political alignment, stressing that no suspect is above the law or immune from 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,” Tahir 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.”
DAILY REPORT NIGERIA recalls that the EFCC had, in November 2024, arrested Okowa over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion during his eight-year tenure as governor. He was also accused of acquiring multiple properties in Asaba and Abuja with state funds.
It will be recalled that in April 2025, Okowa, who was the 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC alongside his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and several political associates.
The anti-graft agency maintained that the investigation remains active and that political realignment would not obstruct the course of justice.
