Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a former everlasting secretary, Directorate of Authorities Home & Protocols in Delta State, was arrested, detained, and later granted bail by the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) in reference to an alleged withdrawal of N87 billion from the federal government coffer.
The Witness learnt that Ogidi-Gbegbaje, who was held and interrogated by the anti-graft company at its Port Harcourt facility for almost a month, was launched on bail on January 6, 2025.
Based on a supply on the EFCC, Ogidi-Gbegbaje admitted to withdrawing the stated sum of cash from a {bank} on the directives of the previous governor, Okowa. Nevertheless, the supply famous that Ogidi-Gbegbaje didn’t explicitly state that the funds went to Okowa.
The previous everlasting secretary was questioned as a part of an ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds throughout Okowa’s administration. Different authorities officers, together with the previous state accountant common, Mrs. Pleasure Enwa, and a former director of finance and administration, have additionally been interrogated.
On November 4, EFCC operatives arrested Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion. The previous governor can also be accused of utilizing public funds to accumulate properties in Abuja and Asaba, the capital of Delta state. The funds in query are believed to incorporate parts of the 13 % derivation allocation designated for oil-producing states.
Okowa has denied the allegations, claiming that his arrest and investigation are politically motivated.
Ifeanyi Okowa served because the Governor of Delta State from Could 29, 2015, to Could 29, 2023