Delta Accountant General In EFCC’s Net Over Alleged N1.3Trn Fraud

The Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs Joy Enwa has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of investigations into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to immediate past Governor of the State, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Other officials being questioned by the anti-graft agency, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior Government House official.

EFCC sources hinted that the contentious funds include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states from the monthly Federation Account revenue.

It was widely reported that former Governor Okowa was detained at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office in November over allegations of using his office to divert state funds for personal gain.

Among the assets allegedly tied to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Company and investments in the oil sector.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the arrest, said; “Mr Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020.

Insider sources said this is not Mrs Enwa’s first encounter with controversy over state funds, noting that in 2015, she was implicated in a N369 million fraud case involving other state officials and bank representatives.

When contacted to comment on her engagement with the anti-graft agency, Mrs. Enwa declined to provide details, stating; “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”