Okowa Breaks Silence as EFCC Probes Him for N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud: “It is Unfortunate”

Okowa Breaks Silence as EFCC Probes Him for N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud: “It is Unfortunate”

  • Former Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has opened up on the ongoing probe of his administration by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
  • Legit.ng reports that the former governor asserted that he knows those behind his ordeal with the anti-graft agency
  • Okowa stated this in Asaba during a solidarity visit by the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council on Thursday, November 14

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering politics and governance.

Asaba, Delta state - Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta state, has declared his readiness to face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recently, the EFCC arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion during his eight-year reign as governor of the south-south state.

EFCC probe: I know those behind my ordeal — Okowa
Ifeanyi Okowa says not worried by EFCC invitation. Photo credit: @IAOkowa, @officialEFCC
Source: Twitter

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain was also said to have used public funds to acquire properties in Asaba, the capital of Delta; and Abuja.

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But speaking at his residence in Asaba on Thursday, November 14, during a solidarity visit by the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, led by Major-General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), the Orodje of Okpe, Okowa claimed that the anti-graft agency's investigation is "politically motivated". According to him, he is not afraid of the EFCC's probe.

On Friday, November 15, the Nigerian Tribune noted Okowa's stance.

He said:

“In politics, there are many things one must face, but it’s unfortunate when baseless accusations are presented to the media.
“To claim that someone could misappropriate such an amount implies that they would need to take N16 to N20 billion monthly for 96 months. This is not just unreasonable."

Furthermore, the PDP's vice presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, added that he confidently addressed all questions posed by the EFCC officials when the agency's personnel arrested and interrogated him.

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Delta govt backs Okowa

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Delta state government officially responded to Okowa's arrest.

The state government emphasised Okowa’s 'innocence' under the law and urged Deltans to remain calm. The government suggested that Okowa is a victim of politics.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ridwan Adeola avatar

Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.