[BREAKING] Okowa: EFCC Arrests Delta State Accountant-General

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly arrested the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa, as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The investigation focuses on the alleged diversion of funds from the 13% derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states. These funds, which are crucial for the economic development of such states, are suspected to have been misappropriated during Okowa’s time in office.

Ifeanyi Okowa, who also served as the Vice Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, was arrested by the EFCC in November at the Commission’s Port Harcourt division. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Okowa is under investigation for allegedly embezzling funds during his tenure as governor. He is accused of using his political position to acquire assets valued at over N1.3 trillion, including shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and various other investments in the oil sector.

As part of the probe, Mrs. Enwa was reportedly arrested last week for questioning. In addition, the EFCC detained a former Director of Finance and Administration, Ekeruche, and the Director of Administration at the Government House, Delta State. These individuals were reportedly interrogated and provided separate statements while in custody.

This is not the first time Mrs. Enwa has found herself at the center of controversy. In 2015, while serving as the Deputy Accountant General of Delta State, she was implicated in a N369 million fraud case alongside then-Accountant General Cyril Agbele, a branch manager from First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and other state officials. The allegations, which surfaced towards the end of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure, were denied by Agbele at the time.

Mrs. Enwa later succeeded Agbele as the Accountant General in 2020 under Governor Okowa’s administration. However, her recent arrest has raised fresh concerns about the financial management and accountability of the state’s finances during Okowa’s tenure as governor.

When contacted for comment, Mrs. Enwa declined to speak on the matter, referring inquiries to the EFCC. The Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest, as well as the subsequent release of Mrs. Enwa and the other detained state officials, pending further investigation. The EFCC continues to scrutinize the financial dealings of the former administration, with implications that could affect both local and national political landscapes.