The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mrs.Joy Enwa, the Accountant General of Delta State, as part of an investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in state funds by the former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa. Sahara had reported
The funds in question, reportedly part of the 13 percent derivation allocated to oil-rich states, were allegedly misappropriated during Okowa’s tenure as governor. The former governor, who also served as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, was detained in November at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the detention of both Okowa and Mrs. Enwa. According to Oyewale, Okowa allegedly used his position as governor to divert public funds into personal ventures, including shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other investments in the oil and gas sector.
As part of the investigation, the EFCC also detained other Delta State officials, including a former director of finance and administration and the director of administration at the Government House. The officials were reportedly questioned over their roles in the financial operations during Okowa’s administration.
This is not Mrs. Enwa’s first encounter with allegations of financial impropriety. In 2015, she was implicated in a N369 million fraud case involving Cyril Agbele, the then Accountant General of Delta State, and other officials. The case, linked to questionable withdrawals from state funds, remains a significant stain on the financial governance of the state.
In 2020, Okowa appointed Mrs. Enwa as the state’s Accountant General, a decision now under scrutiny in light of the ongoing investigation.
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions across Delta State, with citizens and civil society organizations calling for transparency in the investigation. Many have expressed concern over the potential misuse of funds intended for development projects in oil-producing communities.
“This is a wake-up call for our leaders to be more accountable. The funds from the derivation are meant to develop the state, not enrich individuals,” said James Ufuoma, a Delta-based activist.
The EFCC has assured the public of its commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. While Mrs. Enwa and other officials have since been released on bail, investigations are ongoing, and charges may follow based on the evidence gathered.
Observers are keenly watching the proceedings, with many viewing this case as a test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
For Delta State, the controversy highlights the urgent need for stronger governance and accountability mechanisms to ensure public funds serve their intended
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