The Delta State Accountant General, Mrs. Joy Enwa; Ekeruche, a former Director of Finance and Administration (DFA); and the Director of Administration, Government House, Asaba, who were previously arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are expected to report back to the commission in the second week of January, SaharaReporters has learned.
These officials were apprehended, detained, and subsequently released by the EFCC in December 2024 as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in state funds under former governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.
The EFCC had earlier detained Okowa in November 2024, accusing him of misappropriating funds earmarked as part of the 13 percent derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed Okowa’s arrest, noting that the former Delta governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was taken into custody by the agency’s Port Harcourt division.
Okowa is alleged to have exploited his position as governor to embezzle and acquire assets valued at N1.3 trillion.
These reportedly include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other oil-sector investments.
The National Bureau of Statistics had previously detailed how funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) were distributed among oil-rich states.
Following his release from EFCC custody, Okowa reportedly orchestrated a series of solidarity visits by various individuals, groups, traditional rulers, and ethnic organizations to create the impression of widespread public support.
However, sources suggest these visits angered EFCC officials, particularly due to comments made by Okowa that allegedly portrayed the commission as a political tool engaged in witch-hunting.
Anonymous sources within the Accountant General’s office revealed that Mrs. Enwa and her colleagues are expected to return to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office for further questioning regarding the alleged N1.3 trillion diversion.
“Madam Enwa’s blood pressure keeps rising due to the stress. She is restless and never anticipated this situation,” one source said.
“Many of them are upset with former governor Okowa because they feel they are now suffering for his actions, which mainly benefited him and his inner circle at the expense of other senatorial districts.”
The source added, “I believe they have decided to fully disclose what they know to the EFCC.”
When approached for comment, Enwa responded, “I think you have a mission. Please, don’t ask me questions. I’ve told you what to do. Go to the source and get your information.”
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale for a statement were unsuccessful, as his phone lines were unreachable.
However, multiple EFCC insiders confirmed that Mrs. Enwa, the former DFA, and the Government House Director of Administration are scheduled to return to the commission in January for further interrogation.
SaharaReporters has also learned that the officials are likely to be detained again following their questioning at the EFCC’s facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
