The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has according to reports, arrested the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa, as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged misadministration of N1.3 trillion under former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
The investigation centers around the alleged diversion of funds from the 13% derivation allocated to oil-producing states.
The Former Governor, also the Vice Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 elections, was detained by the EFCC in November at its Port Harcourt division.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Okowa is accused of using his position to embezzle funds and acquire assets valued at over N1.3 trillion, including shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other oil sector investments.
Other government officials that served under Okowa have reportedly been arrested and interrogated on this matter including, former Director of Finance and Administration, Ekeruche, and the Director of Administration, Government House, Delta State.
While Mrs. Enwa’s first controversial arrest occurred in 2015, as Deputy Accountant General where she was implicated alongside then Accountant General Cyril Agbele, a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch manager, and other state officials in a N369 million fraud case, the allegations were denied by Agbele.
Mrs. Enwa later succeeded Agbele as Accountant General in 2020 under Governor Okowa’s administration. However, her recent arrest has raised further questions about financial management during Okowa’s tenure.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed her arrest and subsequent release, along with other detained state officials.
