Delta Govt Breaks Silence as EFCC Arrests Okowa, Details Emerge

Delta Govt Breaks Silence as EFCC Arrests Okowa, Details Emerge

  • The Delta State government has responded to the arrest of former governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa by the EFCC, asserting his innocence and urging citizens to remain calm
  • Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe stressed that an arrest does not equal guilt and called for Deltans to pray for Okowa during this difficult time
  • Oghenesivbe noted that EFCC's actions follow standard legal procedures and encouraged patience as the legal process unfolds

The Delta State government has officially responded to the recent arrest of former Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Legit.ng recalls that the EFCC detained Okowa at its Port Harcourt office, reportedly for questioning over alleged misconduct. Sources indicate that Okowa’s detention stems from a petition against him, though the specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed.

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EFCC arrests Okowa, Delta state government reacts
Delta state government reacts over arrest of Okowa Photo credit: @ChrisEjiofor7/ @officialEFCC
Source: Twitter

The state government emphasised Okowa’s innocence under the law and urged Deltans to remain calm, as reported by the New Telegraph.

Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Director-General of the Delta state Bureau for Orientation and Communications, broke his silence Monday night.

Innocent until proven Guilty, says state DG

Oghenesivbe, who previously served as Okowa’s Executive Assistant on Communications from 2017 until May 2023, reaffirmed his stance on the former governor’s character and legal standing, stressing that Okowa remains innocent until proven guilty, Leadership reported

His words:

“There is no cause for alarm.The news of former Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by the EFCC is trending on social media and reported by some traditional media, but it’s important to remember that an arrest is not proof of guilt. It’s a legal process, not a judgment.”

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He went on to call for calm among Delta residents, urging them to pray for Okowa in these challenging times.

“I urge Deltans to pray for Senator Okowa. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and allow the legal process to unfold,” he added.

Oghenesivbe also clarified the legal procedures surrounding the case, explaining that the EFCC’s actions are part of an established protocol in criminal investigations.

EFCC arrests Edo accountant general, others

In another development, Legit.ng reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested Edo state accountant general Mr. Julius O. Anelu and four other officials.

Anelu and the four other suspects are said to be signatories to the state government accounts.

This is coming after the Edo State House of Assembly allegedly approved the budget about two weeks before the inauguration of the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

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Proofread by Kola Muhammed, journalist and copyeditor at Legit.ng

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944