Ex-Delta Governor Okowa Visits EFCC Lagos Office Amid ₦1.3 Trillion Derivation Funds Investigation
By A1NEWS International – June 23, 2026
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has again come under the spotlight as he visited the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of approximately ₦1.3 trillion in public funds during his administration.
The former governor’s appearance at the commission’s headquarters on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, marks another chapter in a high-profile corruption investigation that has continued to generate national attention and raise questions about accountability in the management of state resources.
Okowa’s Visit Linked To Passport Request
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that Okowa’s visit was primarily aimed at securing the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
While officials of the anti-graft agency declined to publicly comment on the development, insiders confirmed that discussions were held regarding the former governor’s request.
As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the EFCC had approved the release of the travel document or imposed additional conditions before granting the request.
Efforts by journalists to obtain official confirmation from EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful, as calls and inquiries were not immediately returned.
The ₦1.3 Trillion Allegation
At the centre of the investigation is an allegation that substantial portions of Delta State’s 13 per cent oil derivation revenue received from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023 were unlawfully diverted.
Investigators are reportedly scrutinising financial transactions, government expenditure records, contract awards, and fund disbursement processes undertaken during Okowa’s eight-year tenure as governor.
The 13 per cent derivation fund is a constitutionally guaranteed allocation provided to oil-producing states to address environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, and developmental challenges associated with petroleum exploration activities.
The alleged diversion of such funds, if established, could rank among the largest public finance investigations involving a former state governor in recent years.
Previous Arrest And Interrogation
This is not the first time Okowa has faced questioning over the matter.
On November 4, 2024, operatives of the EFCC reportedly arrested and interrogated the former governor at the commission’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate following intelligence reports and preliminary findings relating to the management of Delta State finances during his administration.
Following the interrogation, investigators continued their review of financial records and documentation connected to the case.
Although no formal charges have yet been filed against the former governor, the investigation remains active, with sources indicating that several financial transactions are still being subjected to forensic examination.
Anti-Corruption Drive Under Public Scrutiny
The development comes amid growing public demand for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources across Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government systems.
Anti-corruption advocates have repeatedly called for swift prosecution of public officials where evidence of financial misconduct exists, while also emphasizing the need to respect due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Legal experts note that the EFCC’s decision regarding Okowa’s passport request may be influenced by the status of the investigation, the likelihood of his return to the country, and any existing undertakings made to the commission.
Political And Governance Implications
Okowa, who served as Delta State governor from 2015 to 2023 and later emerged as the vice-presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The ongoing investigation is therefore expected to attract significant public and political interest, particularly as anti-corruption agencies continue efforts to demonstrate accountability among former public office holders.
Observers say the outcome of the probe could have far-reaching implications for public confidence in anti-graft institutions and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.
As investigations continue, attention remains focused on whether the EFCC will grant Okowa’s request for the temporary release of his passport and whether the agency’s ongoing probe will ultimately result in criminal charges.
For now, the former governor remains under the watch of investigators as authorities seek to establish the true circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of Delta State’s derivation funds.
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