The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring its investigations involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to a clear and lawful conclusion. This call was made in a press statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on September 9, 2026.
According to HURIWA, an opinion poll it conducted across Nigeria involving more than 6,000 respondents indicated overwhelming public disapproval of parties fielding politicians with unresolved corruption allegations. The association reported that 99 per cent of respondents condemned the practice, with particular criticism directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), over its reported decision to field Okowa for a senatorial contest in Delta North.
The association said respondents in Delta North questioned why the party would reportedly choose the former governor instead of the incumbent senator, Prince Ned Nwoko, and demanded that EFCC clarify the status of its investigation into Okowa. HURIWA noted that Okowa was arrested and detained in November 2024 over allegations concerning management of funds received during his eight-year tenure as Delta State governor.
The Punch reported that the EFCC is investigating Okowa regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023. HURIWA stressed that these were allegations under investigation and not proof of guilt. It noted that Okowa subsequently denied wrongdoing, with his aide maintaining that EFCC had not established a case against him.
The Association added that the former governor should be entitled to due process, just as Nigerians deserved transparency about the investigation and a clear explanation of whether evidence warranted prosecution. HURIWA said that where investigators have sufficient evidence to prosecute, the EFCC should proceed without undue delay, and where the evidence is insufficient, the commission should equally clarify the position rather than leave the matter indefinitely unresolved.
HURIWA also said ex-Governor Yahaya Bello’s case raises similar questions on accountability, adding that respondents in Kogi State expressed similar concerns about unresolved allegations involving former Governor Yahaya Bello, who has faced EFCC on allegations concerning alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure. The association emphasised that neither accusation nor investigation should be treated as conviction, however political office should not become a shield against lawful investigation or prosecution.
HURIWA called on EFCC to provide an update on the status of Okowa investigation and pursue any prosecution justified by evidence, and to ensure Bello's case also proceeds in accordance with the law. The association maintained that both principles of upholding the presumption of innocence and demanding accountability from public officials must be upheld.
Key points
- HURIWA urges EFCC to conclude investigations into Okowa and Yahaya Bello
- Public disapproves parties fielding politicians with unresolved corruption allegations
- EFCC should provide update on investigation status and pursue prosecution if justified by evidence
