ASABA: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has restrained ex – governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, from travelling outside the country following the seizure of his travel documents by the anti – graft agency.
Although, the embattled Okowa has perfected his bail conditions but the agency insists he should not travel outside the range of its eagle eye.
The EFCC arrested and detained Okowa last week in Port Harcourt , the Rivers State capital, for allegedly diverting N1.3 trillion of public funds, but he was granted administrative bail according to legit.ng
It was reported on Wednesday, November 13, that Okowa’s passport was allegedly seized by the EFCC as part of his bail condition.
The EFCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed this, saying it is the normal practice for law enforcement agencies to seize passports and other relevant documents pending the conclusion of investigations.
He said: “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.”
The Daily Crucible had reported earlier that Okowa was grilled and detained last Monday in Port Harcourt after he presented himself to the EFCC office following an invitation extended to him.
He is being investigated over allegation diverting funds, which was part of a 13 per cent derivation fund earmarked for oil-bearing states.
He was accused of diverting the money between 2015 and 2023 when he was the governor of Delta State.
