Again, Deltans Petition EFCC, Insist on Prosecution of Okowa Over Missing N1.3 Trillion

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Oil-producing communities in Delta State have issued an open letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the agency to act decisively on the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion belonging to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) by former Governor Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.

The letter, dated 20th October 2025, and signed on behalf of Delta oil bearing communities by Chief (Comrade) Mulade B. Sheriff, PhD, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, was addressed to the EFCC Chairman at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Titled “A Wake Up Call to EFCC on Delta State’s Missing N1.3 Trillion 13% Oil Derivation Funds”, the statement accused the EFCC of “continued silence” over the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the rehabilitation and development of oil-bearing communities in Delta State.

“This open letter arises from the continued silence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the N1.3 trillion of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission’s (DESOPADEC) funds that was unlawfully diverted by the former governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, during his eight-year tenure (2014–2023),” the letter stated.

Chief Mulade recalled that the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr Ola Olukoyede, had arrested the former governor in November 2024 over the alleged diversion of the funds, which represented part of the 13 per cent derivation fund accruing to Delta State. He added that despite the arrest, “nothing has been heard about the EFCC’s investigation,” describing the Commission’s silence as “disturbing”.

The communities alleged that Okowa manipulated the DESOPADEC law in 2018 “to include his communities as hosts” and gain greater control of the Commission’s finances. They also noted that the diverted funds were originally intended for infrastructure, compensation for loss of fishing rights, and other forms of community development.

The letter questioned the EFCC’s neutrality, raising concerns about possible political interference. It queried whether “the EFCC has compromised or halted its investigations” because of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Is it because the sitting governor, Chief (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, has joined the APC that the EFCC has compromised or halted their investigations? It seems that it is now a slogan that when you join the APC, your sins are forgiven,” the letter queried.

Chief Mulade also quoted Olorogun Stephen K. Dieseruvwe from Bradford City, United Kingdom, who argued that the 13 per cent derivation fund was a legal entitlement of oil-producing communities and not at the discretion of governors.

“It is unjust and inhuman to deprive oil-producing communities of their rightful entitlement,” he quoted Dieseruvwe as saying.

In conclusion, Chief Mulade appealed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr Olukoyede, to emulate the example of former EFCC boss Nuhu Ribadu, now National Security Adviser, known for his integrity and firmness in anti-corruption enforcement.

“We are therefore calling on the EFCC to wake up to its responsibilities as an anti-graft agency. This is a wake-up call to the EFCC to act. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine,” the letter concluded.

The petition, which represents the interests of Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Urhobo, and Isoko communities, has renewed calls for accountability and transparency in the management of derivation funds intended for oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta.