The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has barred former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, from leaving the country, confiscating his passport as part of his bail conditions.
Okowa, reportedly detained by the EFCC last week over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in public funds, was granted administrative bail on Sunday.
The EFCC had allegedly summoned the former governor to its Port Harcourt office on Monday, where he was held in connection with funds allocated to oil-producing states under the 13% derivation formula.
These funds, allegedly misappropriated between 2015 and 2023 during Okowa’s tenure, have raised serious concerns, prompting the EFCC investigation.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed to The Guardian the seizure of Okowa’s passport, explaining, “It is standard practice for law enforcement agencies to retain passports and other documents as part of bail conditions pending the conclusion of investigations.”
He added, “That is normal practice in law enforcement; when you grant somebody bail, you ask for the person’s international passport and some other conditions. It is normal.”
In a related development, Okowa has expressed that the EFCC’s recent actions regarding the N1.3 trillion oil derivation fund allegations are politically motivated.
He made these comments during a visit by the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union at his residence in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
