Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have detained former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion from the 13 percent derivation fund between 2015 and 2023.

Sources indicate that Okowa was taken into custody on Monday, November 4, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after he reported to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate at the invitation of investigators handling his case.

Okowa faces accusations of failing to account for the substantial sum, along with an additional N40 billion that he allegedly used to purchase shares in the UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. Reports suggest that Okowa acquired N40 billion worth of shares in a major Nigerian bank, representing an eight percent equity stake in the LNG venture, but that these funds were allegedly diverted for other purposes.

Further investigations by the EFCC are looking into claims that Okowa misappropriated public funds to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC’s detention facility in Port Harcourt. When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Okowa’s detention but declined to provide additional details regarding the ongoing investigation.