JUST IN: EFCC quizzes ex-Delta Gov over financial misconduct

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The former governor of Delta State, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating and embezzling billions of naira from the state’s funds during his tenure.

Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2019, was taken into custody at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt zonal office in Rivers State.

The allegations against Okowa include diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds from the federation account between 2015 and 2023, as well as using N40 billion to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company. Investigators are also probing Okowa’s alleged diversion of public funds to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.

Okowa, a trained medical doctor, had previously served as senator representing Delta North from 2011 to 2019 and as Secretary to the Delta State Government under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. He was also the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections.

The EFCC has confirmed Okowa’s arrest, and he is currently being held at the commission’s holding facility in Port Harcourt as investigations continue.