EFCC arrests former Delta governor, Okowa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa was arrested over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion from the 13 percent derivation fund for oil-producing states.

Earlier this year, Oil and Gas Producing Communities of Delta State asked President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the EFCC to summon Okowa to account for 13% of oil derivation funds for eight years amounting to N1.3 trillion.

The group urged the anti-graft agency to act swiftly in the interest of the downtrodden people of the Niger Delta.

They made the appeal in a joint statement signed by Chief Mulade B. Sheriff Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, Sir Mathew Itsekure for Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality, Hon Mark Ikpuri, Urhobo Ethnic Nationality, Chief John Etenero Isoko Ethnic Nationality, Comrade Osita Ijeoma Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, Vice Chairman, Delta State Elders Forum and Prince Maikpobi Okareme Poineer National Secretary TROMPCON.

Sheriff, however, alleged that the anti-graft agency had been reluctant to invite the former governor to give an account of the funds.