The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is protecting former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), stressed that no suspect enjoys immunity from investigation because of political alignment.
Tahir said, “Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.
“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”
Okowa, who served as Delta governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.
In April 2025, he and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC — a move that sparked criticism that the EFCC had gone soft on his case.
‘Tahir explained that the anti-graft agency prefers to conclude investigations thoroughly before filing charges, especially in high-profile cases.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.
The EFCC’s legal chief reiterated that party loyalty does not exempt anyone from scrutiny.
“There’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties — certainly not under this chairman,” he stated.
Responding to criticisms that the EFCC has not secured enough convictions of top politicians, Tahir argued that corruption cases involving politically exposed persons require time.
He said, “It’s been claimed that there are no high-profile convictions. Well, the simple answer is that for us here, crime is crime.
“For instance, a governor who spent eight years controlling a state and its resources, whatever allegations arise from his stewardship, it’s not something you rush to investigate within months or a year.”
The EFCC reaffirmed its determination to pursue all corruption cases, whether involving public officials or private citizens, without fear or favour.
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