Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa spent a second night at the Port Harcourt office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he is being held in connection with alleged financial mismanagement. Okowa, who served as the running mate to Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, reported to the EFCC on Monday following an invitation related to the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

Sources indicate that Okowa faces additional allegations, including the unaccounted expenditure of N40 billion reportedly used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and a major Nigerian bank to secure an eight percent equity stake in an offshore LNG venture. Investigators are also examining suspected fund diversions for the purchase of estates in Abuja and Asaba.

A source close to the investigation said the EFCC is still holding Okowa due to the gravity of the accusations and the sums involved, adding, “He was confronted with several allegations earlier, and we are continuing to gather his responses.”

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed support for Okowa’s detention, describing it as a crucial step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, called for continued investigations into other former governors and public officials.

“We in the APC welcome the arrest of the former governor, whose administration allegedly channeled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, funding a failed presidential bid, and attempting to impose a successor,” the statement read.

The APC statement also criticized Okowa’s administration for its “reckless borrowing spree,” which left Delta State with a substantial debt and deteriorating infrastructure.