Ex-Delta AG arrested over alleged N1.3trn fraud linked to ex-Governor Okowa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Mrs. Joy Enwa, Delta State’s Accountant General, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning regarding the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Several other government officials have also been interrogated.”

The funds under scrutiny reportedly include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states. EFCC sources revealed that assets tied to the alleged fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other investments in the oil sector.

In November, former Governor Okowa was detained at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office over allegations of diverting state funds for personal enrichment. Additional individuals, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior Government House official, have also been questioned.

Mrs. Enwa, who served as Deputy Accountant General during Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020. This is not her first controversy, as she was implicated in a N369 million fraud case in 2015 involving other state officials and bank representatives.

When contacted, Mrs. Enwa declined to comment, stating, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”