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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, remains in detention at the Port Harcourt office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marking his second night in custody.
His detention follows allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in public funds during his tenure.
Okowa, who served as the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 election, had initially reported to the EFCC office on Monday in response to an official invitation.
However, upon arrival, he was detained by the agency’s investigators, who are also examining claims related to an additional N40 billion he allegedly allocated to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
One of the sources who spoke with Punch on the development said, “He was also accused of failing to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
“He also allegedly bought shares of N40bn in one of the major banks in the country, representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG. The funds were alleged to be used for other purposes.
“Investigators are also investigating the diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State.”
However, a source familiar with the matter told the platform on Tuesday that the former governor was yet to be released because of the quantum of the allegations against him.
The source added that Okowa was confronted with the allegations earlier.
“We are still keeping him, he is still with us. The investigation is ongoing and earlier, he was confronted with some of the allegations against him.
“We are still keeping him because of the quantum of the allegations and amount involved. We want him to respond to the allegations,” the source said.
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