HURIWA Urges EFCC To Conclude Okowa, Bello Investigations

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigations involving former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in accordance with the law.

The association also called on political parties to adopt transparent standards in selecting candidates for elective offices, particularly where allegations of corruption remain unresolved.

HURIWA made the calls in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on September 9, 2026.

The association said an opinion poll it conducted across Nigeria involving more than 6,000 respondents indicated opposition to political parties fielding candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations.

According to HURIWA, 99 per cent of respondents opposed the practice, with particular concerns raised over the reported decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to field Okowa for a senatorial contest in Delta North.

The group also called on the EFCC to clarify the status of its investigation into Okowa, who was arrested in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of funds during his eight-year tenure as governor.

HURIWA cited reports that the investigation concerned the alleged management of N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds received from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023, as well as questions surrounding alleged investments and the acquisition of shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project.

The association, however, acknowledged that the allegations did not establish guilt and noted that Okowa had denied wrongdoing.

It urged the EFCC to proceed with prosecution if the available evidence justified it or clarify its position if the evidence was insufficient.

“Where investigators have sufficient evidence to prosecute, the EFCC should proceed without undue delay. Where the evidence is insufficient, the commission should equally clarify the position rather than leave the matter indefinitely unresolved,” HURIWA said.

On Bello, the association called for the EFCC’s case involving the former Kogi governor to proceed transparently and in accordance with the law.

Bello has faced allegations by the anti-graft agency concerning the alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure. HURIWA said the allegations should be addressed through the judicial process, stressing that an investigation or accusation should not be treated as a conviction.

The association also urged the APC to explain its reported choice of Okowa for the Delta North senatorial contest and called on other political parties to ensure transparency in candidate selection.

It further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially, noting that questions about candidates’ eligibility should be determined by relevant constitutional and statutory provisions rather than allegations alone.

HURIWA said the presumption of innocence and public accountability should be upheld, adding that political affiliation or ambitions should not prevent lawful investigations into allegations against public officials.