In a firm declaration of its authority, Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has stated that political defection cannot stop its work. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directly addressed public doubt, insisting that a former governor’s move to the ruling party will not protect him from investigation.

The Commission broke its silence on the case of Ifeanyi Okowa, the former Delta State governor. Okowa recently left his party to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that led to public suspicion that he was seeking safety from corruption allegations.

A top EFCC legal official, Sylvanus Tahir, dismissed these claims. He spoke at an event marking the second year in office of the agency’s chairman. Tahir stated clearly that no one is immune from investigation because of their political friends.

His comments came as a direct response to questions about Okowa. “The simple answer is that it’s not true,” Tahir said, referring to the idea that politicians are shielded by joining the ruling party. He confirmed that the case against the former governor is active and ongoing.

The EFCC had arrested Okowa in November 2024. The allegations against him are massive, involving an estimated N1.3 trillion said to have been diverted during his eight years as governor. He is also accused of using public money to buy properties in Asaba and Abuja.

The agency has now promised that justice will be served in due course. This public statement is seen as an effort to reassure Nigerians that its fight against corruption will continue, regardless of the political games played by those under its scrutiny.