In a development that has sent shockwaves through Delta State’s political and administrative circles, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have purportedly arrested the Acting Accountant General of Delta State, Vincent Okubor and his Deputy by the Port Harcourt office of the anti-graft agency over alleged misappropriation of a staggering N1.3 trillion during the tenure of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The invitations, which reportedly took place in March, are said to be linked to a wider investigation into financial irregularities and large-scale embezzlement of public funds particularly monies meant for oil producing communities under the immediate past administration.
A top government source who do not want the name on print confirmed that the officials were allegedly invited for questioning and are currently assisting the commission with its investigation.
While the identity of the arrested Deputy Accountant General, has not been formally disclosed by our impeccable source, there are speculations that the financial probe purportedly centers around questionable expenditure records, unexecuted contracts, and suspicious fund transfers involving state accounts during the final years of Governor Okowa’s administration.
The magnitude of the alleged fraud, N1.3 trillion, has drawn public outrage and renewed calls for deeper scrutiny into state finances across the country.
Anti-corruption advocates point to a petition originally filed by late elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, among others, as the catalyst for EFCC’s current action.
Civil society groups and anti-corruption watchdogs have lauded the EFCC for initiating the probe, after late Pa. E.K. Clark and others wrote a petition to the anti-graft agency, urging the commission to pursue the matter with transparency and rigor.
Former Governor Okowa, who served as vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has been defended by some of his aides particularly his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika.
Meanwhile, political observers say the development could have significant implications for the state’s political future and may trigger further investigations into past and present officials.
Political analysts suggest the outcome of the probe could have serious ramifications for Delta State’s political establishment, especially for officials seeking future electoral office under the PDP banner.
As of the time of filing this report, EFCC operatives were said to be combing through financial records and digital evidence recovered during preliminary raids.
Earlier arrests have also been made, including that of the immediate past Accountant General, Mrs. Joy Enwa, while she was still in office, along with other government officials including the former Permanent Secretary, Government House, Asaba.
Debunking any arrest, the State Commissioner for Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said: “The man is attending FAAC in Abuja. He was at FAAC yesterday. So who told you they arrested anybody?
“No, wait now. Later today, go to the Accountant General Office whether you will not see him.
“They finished FAAC yesterday. I spoke with him. He is in FAAC in Abuja. So who arrested him?
“We were together in a meeting on Monday before he traveled to attend FARC yesterday.
“So was it inside dream, they arrested him? Last Thursday, we were together before I traveled to Lagos.
“He is the one that even released funds to us to be able to pay for accommodation. So when did they arrest him?
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has continued its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of the N1.3 trillion under Embattled Okowa who served as Governor of the oil-rich State between 2015 and 2023.
EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale, disclosed this during a telephone conversation with The Story on Monday, April 14, 2025.
When asked for an update on the Commission’s investigation into former Governor Okowa’s case, he simply stated: “We are still investigating, that is the update.”
Regarding the reported arrest of the Acting Accountant General, Mr. Vincent Okubor, and his Deputy, Oyewale promised to verify the claim, saying, “Let me find out about that.”
However, as of press time, he had not responded to multiple follow-up messages and calls, raising concerns about the commission’s transparency, integrity and accountability.
This remains a developing story. More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.
