Mulade Writes EFCC, Demands Urgent Probe Into Alleged Diversion of ₦1.3 Trillion Delta 13% Derivation Funds

Renowned Niger Delta environmentalist and rights activist, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to urgently reopen investigations into the alleged diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in 13 percent oil derivation funds by former Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, during his administration from 2014 to 2023.

Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, made the appeal in an open letter on Monday, October 20, 2025, addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and delivered to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The fiery activist expressed disappointment over what he described as the “deafening silence and inaction” of the anti-graft agency months after the former governor was reportedly arrested and released by EFCC operatives from its Port Harcourt office in November 2024 over the alleged misappropriation of derivation funds belonging to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

“The continued silence of the EFCC on this monumental financial crime is worrisome,” Mulade stated.

Adding that “Deltans, especially those from oil-producing communities, are eager to know what happened to the ₦1.3 trillion that was meant to bring development, relief, and dignity to their lives.”

According to him, the money in question represents 50 percent of the constitutionally guaranteed 13% oil derivation funds allocated to DESOPADEC — funds legally intended to be used for the development of host communities that bear the environmental brunt of oil exploration.

Chief Mulade recalled that on June 22, 2023, representatives of oil and gas producing communities from across Delta State staged a peaceful protest at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, submitting a formal petition against former Governor Okowa.

The petition, signed by representatives of five major ethnic nationalities — including Chief Mulade Sheriff (Ijaw), Matthew Itsekure (Itsekiri), Mr. Osita Ijoma and Patience A. Ego (Ndokwa), Mark Ikpuri (Urhobo), and Chief John Etenero (Isoko) — accused the former governor of deliberately withholding DESOPADEC’s allocation and misusing it for personal and political ends.

The petitioners alleged that Okowa had earlier forced the Delta State House of Assembly to amend the DESOPADEC law in August 2018 in order to manipulate the commission’s structure and gain control over its finances.

“Governor Okowa’s manipulation of DESOPADEC’s enabling law was a calculated step to centralize the Commission’s finances in Government House. Since then, development in oil-producing areas has stagnated, while the people continue to live amid poverty, pollution, and neglect.” The activist said.

Mulade claimed that despite receiving some of the highest derivation allocations among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, Delta State “has little to show” in terms of infrastructure, education, or social welfare projects in its host communities.

He cited records showing that Delta received ₦185.16 billion from the 13% derivation fund between January and May 2025 alone — the largest among the nine oil-producing states — and a total of ₦211.69 billion between June 2023 and May 2024.

“From 2015 to 2023, Delta State received nearly one-third of all derivation allocations nationwide, yet our oil communities remain in ruins. DESOPADEC has become more of a political reward system than a development agency,” he lamented.

The activist expressed frustration that the EFCC had failed to provide updates since Okowa’s reported arrest and questioned whether political considerations might have influenced the agency’s silence.

“Is the EFCC silent because the current governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has moved closer to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level?” Mulade queried.

“Has the Commission compromised its neutrality in exchange for political loyalty? Must we accept a dangerous narrative that joining the APC wipes away corruption allegations?”

He warned that the Commission’s inaction could send a dangerous message to future leaders that “looting state funds and seeking refuge in ruling parties” is the new norm.

Mulade’s letter referenced Olorogun Stephen K. Dieseruvwe, a Delta-born governance advocate based in the United Kingdom, who emphasized that the 13% derivation fund is a statutory right for host communities and cannot be diverted by state governments.

“It is unjust and inhuman to deprive oil-producing communities of their rightful entitlement,” Dieseruvwe said in support of the call for a full probe.

Chief Mulade urged the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, to emulate the “uncompromising integrity and courage” of former EFCC boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose legacy of transparency and accountability, he said, still earns him public goodwill.

“The EFCC must wake up and prove that it remains the hope of the common man,” Mulade stressed.

“The anti-graft war cannot succeed if politically exposed persons are treated differently. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”

He reiterated that the people of Delta State, particularly residents of oil-producing communities in Warri, Burutu, Patani, Isoko, Ndokwa, and Ughelli are watching closely and demand transparency.

“The EFCC cannot claim to be fighting corruption while turning a blind eye to a missing ₦1.3 trillion. We will continue to speak until justice is done,” he declared.