EFCC detains Joy Enwa, Delta accountant-general, over ‘N1.3trn fraud’ linked to Okowa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Joy Enwa, accountant-general of Delta state, was detained over alleged N1.3 trillion fraud linked to Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of the state.

Confirming the development to TheCable on Thursday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said Enwa was released after her interrogation.

“Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former (Okowa) administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated,” Oyewale said.

The anti-graft agency has also questioned other officials, including a former director of finance and administration and a senior government house official.

BACKGROUND

On November 4, operatives of the anti-graft agency arrested Okowa over an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

The former governor was also said to have used public funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Asaba, Delta state capital.

The amount is said to be part of the 13 percent derivation fund earmarked for oil-producing states.

The funds in question allegedly include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states.

Okowa has since denied the allegation, saying his arrest and investigation were “politically motivated”.