Former Delta Gov Okowa banned from leaving Nigeria, reason emerges

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has banned the former governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, from travelling outside the country following the seizure of his passport after the perfection of his bail conditions.

The anti-graft agency reportedly arrested and detailed Okowa last week for allegedly diverting N1.3 trillion in public funds, but he was granted administrative bail on Sunday.

The Guardian learnt that Okowa’s passport was allegedly seized by EFCC as part of his bail condition.

Okowa was arrested last Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, when he reported at the EFCC office following an invitation extended to him over the said amount being part of a 13 percent derivation fund earmarked for oil-producing states.

He was said to have allegedly diverted the money between 2015 and 2023 when he was the governor of Delta State.

When contacted for confirmation, the EFCC Spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said it is the normal practice for law enforcement agencies to seize passports and other relevant documents pending the conclusion of investigations.

He said:

Read more about EFCC cases here:

• Okowa: Timi Frank dares EFCC to arrest Wike, Ortom, other G-5 ex-governors

Delta govt breaks silence as EFCC arrests Okowa

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Delta State government responded to the arrest of Okowa by the EFCC, asserting his innocence and urging citizens to remain calm.

Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe stressed that an arrest does not equal guilt and called for Deltans to pray for Okowa during this difficult time.

Oghenesivbe noted that EFCC's actions follow standard legal procedures and encouraged patience as the legal process unfolds.

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Source: Legit.ng