EFCC Detains Delta Accountant-General Over N1.3trn Fraud Linked To Okowa

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have confirmed the invitation of some government officials in Delta State.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that this may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion said to be part of the 13 percent Derivation Fund by the former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

• PDP Declares Ethiope East Federal Seat Vacant Following Ibori-Suenu’s Defection to APC
• Retired Principals Call for Recognition and Better Welfare from Government
• BREAKING: IGP Egbetokun Orders Major Shake-Up, Deploys New AIG to Lagos FCID Annex

Some of those arrested were the State Accountant General, Mrs Joy Enwa, the former Director of Finance and Administration Government House and others.

They were arrested and taken into custody at the Port Harcourt Zonal office of the commission.

EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale when contacted, confirmed the detention of Enwa over the ongoing investigation of Okowa.

“Yes, the Accountant General was arrested and detained by the commission for some days before she was released. We also arrested some officials of the state government but they have been released as well”, Oyewale confirmed.

But Enwa in her response expected the commission to confirm her detention and arrest.

Recall that the two-time Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa was arrested by the anti-graft agency on November 4, 2024, over the alleged misappropriation of N1.3trn between 2015 and 2023 and is currently on bail but barred from travelling out of the country as part of the bail conditions.

Okowa was also accused of another N40 billion, which he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM floating liquefied natural gas.

But when the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, led by Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.), the Orodje of Okpe visited Okowa said he was not afraid of the EFCC trial.

“In politics, there are many things one must face but it is unfortunate when baseless accusations are presented to the media.

FURTHER READING

• Ensure Available Of Naira Notes Nationwide -Shettima Tasks Banks
• Alleged Mass Killings: NHRC Seeks Justice For Victims
• Federal Government Allocates N700bn for Free Meter Distribution

“To claim that someone could misappropriate such an amount implies that they would need to take N16 to N20 billion monthly for 96 months. This is not just unreasonable; it is a deliberate attempt to mislead.

“I am not afraid of any investigation and will not stop the EFCC from carrying out its duties. Unlike others who seek court orders to obstruct investigations, I believe in transparency.

“However, the public deserves accurate information, not fabrications by certain individuals” he posited.