By Austin Ogwuda
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has not in any way abandoned investigations into the petition filed against the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
It explained that investigations were still ongoing but being careful not to rush to the court without water-tight evidence to secure conviction if need be.
The clarification came during a press briefing in Abuja marking the second anniversary of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) who spoke on behalf of his boss, while fielding questions from newsmen clarified that former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa remains under investigation for alleged financial misconduct despite his recent defection from his long standing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His words, “Someone asked whether politicians who cross over to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it is not true.
“To the best of my knowledge, the case involving a former governor of Delta State is still under investigation and in due course, justice will be served.
Tahir explained that the EFCC prefers to complete investigations thoroughly before proceeding to court, particularly in high-profile or politically sensitive cases.
“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court and the outcomes were not always satisfactory. So, we would rather do a thorough job.
“When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is about. There is no attempt or intention to shield anybody on account of party affiliation — certainly not under this leadership.
“It’s been claimed that there are no high-profile convictions. For us, crime is crime “
When dealing with politically exposed persons”, he went on, “investigations can be complex and time-consuming. For instance, a governor who managed a state for eight years — whatever allegations arise from his tenure — requires detailed scrutiny”, he added.
The explanation came amid growing public concern over the perception that some politicians under investigation seek refuge in the ruling party to evade prosecution.
Recall that on the 27th of December last year, EFCC arrested and detained the former Delta State Accountant-General, now retired, Mrs .Joy Enwa, over the alleged N1.3 trillion fraud linked to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
*Former Delta State Accountant-General
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Enwa was interrogated and later released.
According to him, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former (Okowa) administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated”.
The anti-graft Agency has also questioned several officials connected to the case, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior government house official.
This followed the November 4 arrest of Okowa himself, who is accused of diverting N1.3 trillion, including portions of the 13 percent derivation funds allocated to oil-producing states.
The former governor is alleged to have used public funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Asaba, the Delta state capital.
Okowa, however, has denied all allegations, describing his arrest and investigation as “politically motivated”.
