The running mate to Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, Ifeanyi Okowa, remains in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, marking his second night with the anti-graft agency.
Okowa, who was the former Delta State Governor responded to an EFCC summons on Monday over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion and was subsequently detained for questioning.
A source disclosed that Okowa is also under investigation for allegedly failing to account for N40 billion, which he reportedly used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and in one of the country’s major banks, amounting to an 8% equity stake.
Allegations include further diversion of funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State.
“He 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.”
A source close to the EFCC investigation noted that the agency had yet to release Okowa due to the substantial nature of the charges.
“We are still keeping him… The investigation is ongoing, and earlier, he was confronted with some of the allegations against him,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed support for the EFCC’s actions, describing the former governor’s detention as a significant step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
