The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims that it is protecting former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The anti-graft agency, reacting to public criticism over its alleged selective investigations, insisted that its probe into Okowa’s alleged ₦1.3 trillion oil derivation fund fraud remains “active.”
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made the clarification through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), during a press briefing on Wednesday to mark his second year in office.
The clarification follows a wave of public outrage and accusations that the EFCC had gone silent on Okowa’s case since his defection to the APC in April 2025, alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Okowa was reportedly arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 in connection with the alleged diversion of oil derivation funds, but no visible progress has been made on the case since then — a situation that has fueled claims of political bias.
Responding to the allegations, Tahir said:
“Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.
To the best of my knowledge, the case of the former governor of Delta State is still undergoing investigation. In due course, justice will be served.”
He further defended the agency’s slow pace, noting that the EFCC prefers to conduct a “thorough job” rather than rush to court with weak cases.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” Tahir added.
He maintained that there is “no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties,”stressing that the commission operates independently under Olukoyede’s leadership.
However, public skepticism persists, as critics argue that the EFCC’s recent record shows a pattern of soft-pedaling on corruption cases involving politically aligned figures, while coming down hard on opposition members.