The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has given a 7-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to take a clear, definite and measurable action by instituting an investigation into allegations concerning public contracts and payments made during the administration of ex Gov Ifeanyi Okowa in Delta state.
According to the convener and National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Nnadozie
Onwubiko, the EFCC must confirm or deny whether it issued an intelligence report titled “Okowa Under Scrutiny Over Alleged ₦16bn Contract, Family-Linked Companies, Security Payments.”
The document according to the Association is an executive summation of an investigation into transactions in Delta State between 2015 and 2023.
The principal areas requiring examination, according to HURIWA, are the corporate relationships, the award and execution of contracts, payments from the Directorate of Government House and Protocol account, and the use or onward movement of the funds.
According to the Association, the public is normally entitled to know whether the report is genuine, whether the commission has started an investigation into the matters it raises, and what steps—if any—have been taken.
The Association noted that if the document did not originate from the EFCC, the commission should let the public know to prevent an unverified report from being attributed to the agency.
It also calls for scrutiny of the reported ₦16 billion Delta State Secretariat Complex project and the role of a subcontractor.
According to HURIWA, these allegations and questions are weighty enough for investigation adding that the material presented to the Association does not establish that Mr Okowa or any other individual or company named committed an offence.
According to HURIWA, the stated family relationships, directorships, beneficial ownership and financial interests must be independently checked against reliable corporate and transaction records.
‘The Association is calling on the EFCC to examine relevant contract files, tender documents, payment vouchers, bank records, company-registration information and evidence of project delivery.
“Any inquiry should establish who authorised the payments, what services or goods were provided, whether the work met contractual requirements, and whether any public funds were improperly diverted.
“The Association expects an initial public clarification by 9:00 a.m. on 13 November 2026 and “is giving the EFCC seven working days from that notice to demonstrate that it is taking substantive steps to assess and investigate the allegations, where appropriate.”
HURIWA also demanded that a meaningful response should show the steps being taken without compromising any lawful investigation or prejudicing the rights of affected persons. “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.
“HURIWA insists that allegations of this nature must be taken with care. Mr Okowa, the companies and other individuals named in the report must have a fair opportunity to respond to any claims concerning them.
“No allegation should be treated as proven unless supported by evidence and determined through due process.
“At the same time, the association says that the need for fairness cannot be used to justify silence where a report attributed to an anti-corruption agency raises substantial questions about the handling of public funds.”
HURIWA went on to state that: “If the EFCC fails to clarify its position and take appropriate steps within the stated notice period, HURIWA will consult its lawyers on seeking judicial relief to require the commission to address its statutory responsibilities.
“Any court action will be pursued through lawful procedures and will ask the court to consider the matter on its merits.”
HURIWA also says it is prepared to begin a public campaign concerning the EFCC’s handling of the allegations.
“The Association will raise the issue with relevant institutions and the public if it considers the Commission’s response inadequate or if no response is forthcoming,” it said.
Pix: Okowa
