The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday grilled the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Toyin Zacheous Okoro, over alleged conflict of interest and contract fraud.
Okoro, who is contesting for the Ikere/Ise-Orun/Ekiti South-West federal seat in the 2027 election, was invited to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja for questioning.
The allegations against him border on public contracts and false declarations.
Okoro had emerged winner of the APC primary held in May 2026.
He was reportedly questioned by investigators for over two hours before being released on bail at about 5p.m., with instructions to return for further engagement.
The invitation, dated September 7, 2026 and signed by Oshinyemi Oluwaseun, Head of the ICPC Special Duty Team, reportedly directed Okoro to appear before investigators pursuant to Sections 28 and 40 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
According to the allegations under investigation, Okoro allegedly operated as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of a private company while serving as a Senior Legislative Aide at the National Assembly.
Investigators are also examining allegations that he used his position as a public servant to facilitate government contracts for the company from agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The allegations reportedly extend to claims that Okoro received National Assembly salaries and allowances while allegedly retaining beneficial interests in the private company.
He is also alleged to have submitted resignation documents that were subsequently backdated after questions were raised over his involvement with the company.
Another allegation being examined concerns claims that information contained in his submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was inconsistent with records held by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Assembly.
The allegations against Okoro are not findings of guilt, and the ICPC investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier in 2026, an APC support group had raised similar questions over Okoro’s alleged continued directorship of a private company while serving as a National Assembly aide, urging party authorities to investigate the matter.
Okoro later secured the APC ticket for the federal constituency, defeating other aspirants at the party’s primary.
He was released on bail on Thursday and is expected to return to the ICPC for the next phase of the investigation.
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