The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that it suspended investigations into former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s alleged ₦1.3 trillion fraud after his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a press briefing marking the second anniversary of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, said political alignment offers no protection from investigation or prosecution.
“The claim that politicians who defect to the ruling party are shielded is not true,” Tahir stated. “Okowa’s case is still under investigation, and justice will be served.”
He explained that the EFCC avoids rushing politically sensitive cases to court to ensure thorough investigations. “When we go to court, Nigerians will see the facts,” he said, stressing that the commission operates without bias or favoritism.
Addressing criticism over the agency’s handling of high-profile cases, Tahir said all cases are treated equally. “For us, crime is crime. Investigating politically exposed persons takes time, especially after years in power,” he noted.
Okowa, who served as Delta governor for eight years and was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion and acquiring properties in Asaba and Abuja. He defected to the APC in April 2025 alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other state officials.
