The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of a former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa over an alleged N1.3 million fraud.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the former governor is currently being held at the anti-graft agency’s facility in Port Harcourt.
Oyewale, nevertheless, denied further comments on Mr Okowa’s arrest and detention by the EFCC.
However, sources within the commission said Mr Okowa was arrested by EFCC’s operatives on Monday, November 4, 2024, over allegations of diversion of N1.3 trillion proceeds of 13 percent derivation funds for his state during his time as governor.
According to the source, the fund was diverted from the federation account between 2015 and 2023 – Mr Okowa’s tenure.
The former governor was said to have reported to the Port Harcourt directorate of the EFCC following an invitation by the commission and was further detained in its facility.
The source said Mr Okowa would need to provide satisfactory answers to the inquiries regarding some financial activities under his watch as governor.
In addition, Mr Okowa was said to have failed to render details to N40 billion which he claimed was used for the acquisition of shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
The former governor allegedly acquired shares worth N40 billion in a bank. The shares represent eight percent equity to float the offshore LNG.
