HURIWA Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum to EFCC: Prosecute Okowa Over Alleged Money Laundering or Face Court Action

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, demanding that the anti-graft agency take concrete action on allegations of money laundering and contract fraud against former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa or face legal action.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA asked the EFCC to confirm or deny whether it authored an intelligence report titled “Okowa Under Scrutiny Over Alleged ₦16bn Contract, Family-Linked Companies, Security Payments”.

The association said the document, described as an executive summary of an investigation into Delta State transactions between 2015 and 2023, has been circulating while being attributed to the EFCC.

HURIWA said the report raises questions about payments for security equipment and operations, vehicles, a media partnership, and the reported ₦16 billion Delta State Secretariat Complex project.

It also identifies companies whose directors are alleged to have family or personal connections with Okowa, questioning how contracts were awarded and whether procurement rules were followed.

The association stressed that the allegations do not establish guilt. “These are allegations and questions for investigation. The material presented to the association does not establish that Mr Okowa or any other individual or company named committed an offence,” HURIWA said.

It called on the EFCC to examine contract files, tender documents, payment vouchers, bank records, and company registration information to establish whether public funds were improperly diverted.

HURIWA demanded an initial public clarification from the EFCC by 9:00 a.m. on November 13, 2026, and gave the commission seven working days from that notice to demonstrate substantive steps are being taken.

“The association is not asking the EFCC to reach a predetermined conclusion. It is asking the commission to establish the facts and act in accordance with the law,” the group stated.

Should the EFCC fail to respond, HURIWA said it will consult its lawyers on seeking judicial relief to compel the commission to address its statutory responsibilities.

The association also threatened to begin a public campaign concerning the EFCC’s handling of the allegations, raising the issue with relevant institutions and the public.

HURIWA further called for a public update on the EFCC’s handling of matters involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, saying the request is part of its broader demand for transparency and consistent application of the law in cases involving public officials.

The association emphasized that due process must be respected, with Okowa and other named individuals given a fair opportunity to respond, while insisting that fairness cannot justify silence where substantial questions about public funds are raised.