HURIWA Urges EFCC to Investigate Ex-Gov Okowa's Administration

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a 7-day ultimatum to investigate allegations concerning public contracts and payments made during the administration of ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Delta state. HURIWA's convener, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, stated that the EFCC must confirm or deny issuing an intelligence report titled "Okowa Under Scrutiny Over Alleged ₦16bn Contract, Family-Linked Companies, Security Payments."

According to HURIWA, the report is an executive summation of an investigation into transactions in Delta State between 2015 and 2023. The Association wants the EFCC to examine corporate relationships, contract awards and execution, payments from the Directorate of Government House and Protocol account, and the use or onward movement of funds. HURIWA also demanded scrutiny of the reported ₦16 billion Delta State Secretariat Complex project and the role of a subcontractor.

HURIWA stated that the public is entitled to know whether the report is genuine, whether the EFCC has started an investigation, and what steps have been taken. The Association noted that if the document did not originate from the EFCC, the commission should let the public know to prevent attributing an unverified report to the agency. HURIWA emphasized that allegations of this nature must be taken with care and that Mr. Okowa, the companies, and other individuals named must have a fair opportunity to respond.

The Association called on the EFCC to examine relevant contract files, tender documents, payment vouchers, bank records, company-registration information, and evidence of project delivery. HURIWA expects an initial public clarification by 9:00 a.m. on November 13, 2026, and is giving the EFCC seven working days to demonstrate that it is taking substantive steps to assess and investigate the allegations. A meaningful response should show the steps being taken without compromising any lawful investigation or prejudicing the rights of affected persons.

HURIWA insisted that it is not asking the EFCC to reach a predetermined conclusion but to establish the facts and act in accordance with the law. The Association emphasized that no allegation should be treated as proven unless supported by evidence and determined through due process. At the same time, HURIWA stated that the need for fairness cannot be used to justify silence where a report attributed to an anti-corruption agency raises substantial questions about the handling of public funds.

If the EFCC fails to clarify its position and take appropriate steps within the stated notice period, HURIWA will consult its lawyers on seeking judicial relief to require the commission to address its statutory responsibilities. Any court action will be pursued through lawful procedures, and the court will consider the matter on its merits. HURIWA is also prepared to begin a public campaign concerning the EFCC's handling of the allegations if it considers the Commission's response inadequate or if no response is forthcoming.

The allegations against Ex-Gov Okowa's administration are weighty enough for investigation, but the material presented to HURIWA does not establish that Mr. Okowa or any other individual or company named committed an offence. HURIWA demands that the stated family relationships, directorships, beneficial ownership, and financial interests be independently checked against reliable corporate and transaction records to determine the facts.

Key points

• HURIWA gives EFCC 7 days to investigate Ex-Gov Okowa's administration
• EFCC must confirm or deny issuing intelligence report on Okowa's administration
• HURIWA seeks judicial relief if EFCC fails to take action within notice period