EFCC Says Okowa’s Defection to APC Won’t Halt Corruption Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the defection of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not stop ongoing investigations into alleged corruption cases linked to him.

The Director of Legal and Prosecution at the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja held to mark the second anniversary of the agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in office.

Tahir dismissed claims that Okowa was being protected because of his new political affiliation, insisting that no individual is exempt from investigation or prosecution due to party membership or defection.

He explained that Okowa’s case remains under active investigation and assured that due process will be followed until justice is served.

The EFCC had in November 2024 arrested the former governor over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion during his tenure as governor of Delta State.

He was also accused of using public funds to acquire several properties in Asaba and Abuja.In April 2025, Okowa, who served as the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC along with his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other political figures in Delta State.

The anti-graft agency reaffirmed that political defections do not affect the ongoing prosecution or investigation of public officials accused of corruption.