Okowa Denies ₦500bn Refund to Delta Govt to Avoid Probe

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has denied allegations that he secretly returned more than ₦500bn to the state government in a bid to avoid prosecution by anti-corruption agency.

Speculation circulating in Delta suggested the alleged repayment was part of an effort to secure political protection and avoid scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor, through his Chief Press Secretary Olise Ifeajirika, insisted that he did not return any money. He added that the EFCC is free to carry out its investigations.

According to Ifeajirika, Okowa was invited by the EFCC and responded to inquiries presented to him. “He was shown documents and responded accordingly. The EFCC has been visiting Delta State and inviting individuals for questioning.
We understand the investigation is ongoing,” he said.

He added that no funds had been returned either to the state government or the EFCC.