By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa, in connection with an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in state funds. The anti-graft agency is investigating the misappropriation of funds, which reportedly include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states.
Mrs. Enwa’s arrest is linked to the ongoing investigation into the activities of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was detained by the EFCC in November over allegations of using his office to divert state funds for personal gain. The EFCC is also investigating assets allegedly tied to the fraud, including shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and investments in the oil sector.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Mrs. Enwa’s arrest, stating that she was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Other government officials have also been interrogated, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior Government House official.
Mrs. Enwa has a history of controversy, having been implicated in a N369 million fraud case involving other state officials and bank representatives in 2015. The EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, with more arrests and questioning expected as the agency seeks to uncover the full extent of the alleged embezzlement.
