Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has refuted claims that he secretly returned over N500 billion to the state government to avoid prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Speculation had been rife across Delta State suggesting that the former governor made the covert refund to sidestep legal action, maintain political relevance, and secure leniency from anti-corruption agencies. But in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olise Ifeajirika, Okowa described the allegations as entirely false and without merit. “It’s not true that my boss, Okowa, returned such money. The EFCC is at liberty to do its job,” Ifeajirika said. “He (Okowa)was invited and shown documents, and he responded accordingly. The EFCC has been visiting Delta State and inviting people for questioning. We believe the investigation is still ongoing. Only when it is concluded and a case is established can issues of refunds or prosecution arise. “There is no truth to claims of returning money to the Delta State Government or the EFCC,” he added. Okowa and his predecessor and political mentee, Governor Sheriff Oborevwor rejected dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.