The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion during the administration of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, with the questioning of the state’s acting Accountant General, Vincent Okubor, and his deputy.
Multiple sources confirmed that the senior finance officials were recently summoned to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt zonal office, where they were directed to submit statements regarding their roles in the alleged financial irregularities under the previous administration.
The probe—considered one of the largest in the state’s history—centres on the suspected diversion of a significant portion of Delta State’s 13% oil derivation allocation, a federal revenue distribution meant to benefit oil-producing communities.
Former Governor Okowa, Ex-Accountant General Already in EFCC Net
Earlier in the year, the anti-graft agency arrested former Governor Okowa—also the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—alongside former Accountant General Mrs. Joy Enwa and several other senior officials.
EFCC investigators are said to be tracing suspected investments linked to the embezzled funds, including shares in the UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company, as well as other high-value oil and gas assets.
Delta Officials Under Pressure
A senior Delta government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the developments, saying,
“The EFCC invited them to provide clarity and help complete the circle of investigations into the enormous sum reportedly misappropriated.”
Sources within the EFCC added that the interrogations are part of a broader strategy to map out the financial flow of the alleged misappropriated funds and establish individual accountability among serving and former public officials.
As the investigation deepens, anti-corruption watchers say the case could have wide-reaching implications, particularly with Nigeria’s ongoing effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in oil-producing states.
EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the latest phase of the investigation.
