The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigation into former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, calling for prosecution if the available evidence supports criminal charges and a clear explanation if it does not.
The group’s demand, made public on October 9, 2026, comes as Okowa is reported to be the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Delta North senatorial seat, bringing renewed attention to the status of the investigation and its implications for political accountability ahead of the election.
Key Highlights
- HURIWA wants the EFCC to conclude its investigation into former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
- The group says prosecution should follow if investigators have sufficient evidence.
- Okowa was arrested and detained in November 2024 over allegations concerning funds received during his tenure as governor.
- Reports linked the investigation to the alleged handling of ₦1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds between 2015 and 2023.
- Okowa has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations should not be treated as proof of guilt.
- HURIWA cited its poll of more than 6,000 respondents on political parties fielding candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations.
- The EFCC’s current position and the precise status of the investigation remain central questions.
HURIWA Demands Clear Decision on Okowa Investigation
HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the anti-graft agency should bring the investigation into Okowa to a clear and lawful conclusion rather than allow the matter to remain unresolved indefinitely.
The organisation argued that where investigators have sufficient evidence to support criminal charges, the EFCC should proceed in accordance with the law. Where the evidence is insufficient, it said the commission should clarify its position.
HURIWA maintained that a transparent resolution would help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption process, particularly when individuals under investigation are seeking elective office.
The group’s demand is for the EFCC to clarify the case’s status and act on the evidence. It does not establish that Okowa has been found guilty of any offence.
What Is the EFCC Investigating Against Ifeanyi Okowa?
Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, was arrested and detained by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of funds received during his eight-year tenure.
Media reports at the time linked the investigation to the alleged handling of approximately ₦1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
Other reported areas of inquiry included funds allegedly used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
These matters were reported as allegations under investigation. The available reports do not establish that the allegations resulted in a conviction or confirm that the EFCC has filed charges arising from the probe.
Okowa has denied wrongdoing, while his aide has maintained that the commission had not established a case against him. His response and the presumption of innocence remain important considerations as the investigation’s status comes under renewed public scrutiny.
HURIWA Poll Raises Questions About Political Candidate Selection
Beyond the investigation, HURIWA criticised political parties for fielding candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations without adequately addressing public concerns about accountability.
The organisation said a nationwide opinion poll involving more than 6,000 respondents found that 99 per cent opposed the practice of political parties selecting candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations.
That figure represents HURIWA’s reported poll findings; the methodology, sampling and representativeness of the survey would need to be examined before its result could be treated as representative of the entire Nigerian electorate.
The group directed particular criticism at the APC over its reported decision to field Okowa for the Delta North senatorial contest.
It also said some respondents in Delta North questioned the reported choice of the former governor over incumbent Senator Prince Ned Nwoko.
HURIWA urged political parties to adopt transparent candidate-selection standards and take public concerns about integrity into account.
What the Probe Means for the Delta North Senate Race
The status of the EFCC investigation has become a point of public debate as political attention turns to the Delta North senatorial contest.
For HURIWA, the issue concerns whether allegations involving public officials are handled transparently, regardless of party affiliation or political ambition.
However, the existence of an investigation does not, by itself, determine whether a candidate is legally eligible to contest an election. Such questions must be assessed under the relevant constitutional and electoral provisions rather than settled by allegations or public opinion alone.
The organisation called on the APC to explain its reported choice of candidate and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially.
The political implications therefore remain separate from the legal status of the allegations against Okowa. A clear update from the EFCC would help establish where the investigation stands without prejudging its outcome.
Read also:
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- Delta North: Ned Nwoko Rejects Court Ruling, Heads to Appeal Over Okowa’s APC Candidacy
- Group Urges Delta North To Move On After Court Dismisses Sen. Nwoko’s Suit Against Okowa
HURIWA Also Calls for Transparency in Yahaya Bello Case
HURIWA extended its demand to the investigation involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has faced allegations concerning the alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure.
The group urged the EFCC to pursue the matter transparently and through established legal procedures, arguing that political influence should not shield anyone from lawful investigation.
At the same time, it stressed that accusations and investigations must not be treated as convictions.
HURIWA said the same principles should apply to all public officials: investigators should follow the evidence, legal decisions should be made through due process, and political affiliation should not determine whether an investigation is pursued.
EFCC Response Remains Important
A central unanswered question is the current status of the EFCC’s investigation into Okowa and whether investigators have reached a decision on possible charges.
The reports carrying HURIWA’s demand did not provide a new, detailed statement from the commission confirming the probe’s present stage.
The EFCC’s response, alongside any formal court filings or official statements, would help clarify whether the investigation remains active, has been concluded or has resulted in further legal action.
Okowa’s media aide should also be given an opportunity to respond to questions about the current status of the matter and the former governor’s position.
Until such clarification is available, it would be premature to conclude that the investigation has been completed, that charges have been filed or that the allegations have been proven.
Accountability and Presumption of Innocence
HURIWA’s intervention has renewed the debate over how Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies should handle investigations involving politicians seeking public office.
The group argues that unresolved investigations should not remain indefinitely without a clear explanation, particularly where public funds are involved.
At the same time, the presumption of innocence requires that Okowa and other individuals under investigation should not be declared guilty without evidence tested through the appropriate legal process.
The next significant development will be an official clarification of the EFCC’s position and any subsequent action supported by the evidence.
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