Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has firmly denied widespread rumours claiming he returned a staggering ₦500 billion to the state government in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former governor addressed these speculations following viral online reports suggesting he secretly refunded the sum in a strategic move to evade prosecution and maintain political leverage within the state and national corridors of power.
According to these unverified claims, the alleged refund was discreetly executed as part of a covert agreement aimed at mitigating potential legal consequences and securing leniency from anti-corruption agencies.
However, in an interview with The Punch, Okowa, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olise Ifeajika, categorically refuted the allegations. He clarified that no such funds were returned, emphasizing that any claims to that effect are entirely baseless and misleading.
“It’s completely false that my boss, Governor Okowa, returned ₦500 billion to the state or the EFCC,” Ifeajika stated. “The EFCC is fully empowered to carry out its investigations, and they have indeed invited him for questioning, during which relevant documents were presented and responses provided.”
He further noted that the EFCC’s investigative activities in Delta State have been ongoing, with several individuals being invited to assist in the probe. However, no conclusions have been drawn, nor has any formal request for a refund been made by the commission.
“Until the investigation is officially concluded and a case is established, there can be no talk of refunds or court proceedings,” he added. “The narrative that money was secretly returned is completely unfounded.”
EFCC Investigation Still in Progress
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the matter. However, it is known that the anti-graft agency has intensified its scrutiny of financial activities in several Nigerian states, with Delta State being one of the focal points.
As part of a broader national crackdown on corruption and public sector mismanagement, former and serving government officials have increasingly come under the agency’s radar. Okowa’s administration, like others before and after it, is subject to due legal and investigative processes as outlined by Nigerian law.
Political Implications
While Okowa has remained relatively quiet in recent months, his name continues to surface in political circles—particularly with discussions around the 2027 general elections and ongoing alignments within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The former governor served as Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and still commands significant influence in Delta State and beyond.
Analysts suggest that the circulation of such rumours may be politically motivated, aimed at undermining Okowa’s credibility and weakening his influence in the state’s political structure.
In summary, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has strongly denied reports that he returned ₦500 billion to the Delta State Government amid an EFCC investigation. His media office insists the probe is ongoing and that no financial reimbursements have taken place. Until the EFCC releases a formal statement or concludes its investigation, any claims of refunds remain speculative and unsubstantiated.
