JUST IN: Okowa Seeks Release of Passport Held by EFCC

Former Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Lagos, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for urgent medical treatment.

Okowa was sighted on Monday at the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 1 office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. Sources within the commission said his visit is linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion from the 13 per cent derivation funds allocated to Delta State from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023, when he served as governor.

The EFCC seized his passport following his arrest on November 4, 2024, as part of his bail conditions. He was first detained and questioned at the commission’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate. Investigators are also looking into allegations that he used N40 billion to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and a major commercial bank without proper accountability.

It is unclear whether the EFCC approved his passport request. The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to calls seeking comment.

Okowa has denied all allegations, describing the N1.3 trillion claim as false and laughable. No formal charges have been filed against him, but the probe remains active and is considered one of the EFCC’s most high-profile cases involving a former governor.

In April 2025, Okowa defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress alongside Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He recently secured the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North ahead of the 2027 elections.